Katherine Macalister talks to the movers and shakers of this year's Oxford Playhouse panto.

Peter Duncan just can’t get enough of the Oxford Playhouse panto and is back for a third time this year with Sleeping Beauty.

But he’s pleased to be off rather than on stage for a change, and able to put his one-man show Duncan Dares on the back burner for a while.

“The good thing about pantomime is that it’s three generational and crosses all classes, so it will always be a novelty,” the ex-Blue Peter presenter explains.

“But it’s much easier to do all the crafting from the outside rather than playing Buttons and directing at the same time,” he laughs.

And having written the script, Duncan still relies on the children in the cast to come up with the more contemporary gags.

“I’m an ideas merchant so I get artistic carte blanche, but I’m not an avid soapwatcher. I like pop culture but I don’t know all the latest goings on, which will emerge in rehearsals through what the kids are talking about.

“And the more topical references might be really last minute.”

So is Sleeping Beauty going to be another winner?

“Well there has been a real buzz about the last couple of years so expectations are high, but part of it is down to serendipity and the right atmosphere, but then that is what theatre is all about, and what keeps it all exciting,” he says.

Sleeping Beauty opens at the Oxford Playhouse today and runs until January 18. Box office on 01865 305305.

A WONDER to behold in his pantomime dame’s outfit Stephen Aintree had the crowds at Debenhams in stitches during a recent publicity stunt.

But two minutes later, when he had de-robed, he slipped back into Oxford’s department store and no one gave him a second glance.

“That’s the wonderful thing about being the pantomime dame,” he laughs, “the anonymity.”

Because with five costume changes, a wig and some impressive stage make-up, when Stephen gets ready to go on stage, he becomes the Fairy Godmother and owns the part.

“Well there wouldn’t be any point having all that gear on and then standing in the corner, would there?” he asks.

And Stephen is raring to go. He can barely contain himself as the crew put the finishing touches to what should be a fabulous pantomime – Oxford Playhouse’s 2008 offering – Sleeping Beauty.

“There is such a sense of excitement,” the 51-year-old says. “And what really comes across in Oxford is how much the Playhouse cherishes its panto.

“So I have really been carried along by that. It’s just great to be a part of it.

“And I have worked with Peter Duncan before and he knows all the panto traditions, which has also been a big help to me,” Stephen adds.

So what can Stephen tell us about the part? “Well, Sleeping Beauty hasn’t really got a dame this year, more of a good fairy with a case of mistaken identity,” he says mysteriously. “ “And there are lots of other funny parts. The King and Queen for example are bonkers and the jester is hysterical, so there are lots of laughs. I just stand and howl when I watch them everyday from the wings.”

Stepping into the pantomime dame’s boots though is a big deal, but Stephen is very relaxed about his role and the pressure involved.

“If you start thinking about it as a competition you’d go mad. You just have to do the best you can and remember you can’t please all the people all the time. But I was the MC in Buddy Holly The Musical, which helps because I like to think I know how to work a crowd.”

As for the mammoth stamina required to perform 12 shows a week, Stephen says: “Yes, panto requires huge energy, but when you come into the job you know that and get your mind and body ready.

“But the great thing about live theatre, which keeps you going, is that no two shows are the same, and the audience is a great, big, live, breathing animal which keeps you on your toes.”