Sparkly Deniece says playing Fairy Godmother is “like heaven”

This year’s show is the magical tale of Cinderella, starring TV personality and dancer Louie Spence as Dandini, children’s television presenter Anna Williamson as Cinderella, and comedian Kev Orkian as Buttons.

Fairy Godmother Deniece Pearson spoke to Curtain Call from her dressing room where she was having a quick rest before the final dress rehearsal on opening night.

Deniece said: “I am buzzing. I am so looking forward to it. This is my first time in panto and I’ve loved it, learning all the lines, getting in character. It’s such a wonderful experience.

“I definitely feel nervous when the audience start coming in and you hear the noise from them –that gives me butterflies.”

The former BRIT Award winner and Grammy nominee took part in talent show The Voice on BBC One this year and was chosen by Tom Jones for his team.

She said: “Doing panto was a new challenge for me, like The Voice was. I’ve never seen a pantomime but I wish I had. It’s such a fun thing and this is right up my street, it’s like heaven.”

Fomer Five Star singer Deniece is relishing her role as Fairy Godmother, and said: “I am sure my magic won’t let me down, I learnt it all from Derren Brown!

“I think the key to being a good Fairy Godmother is keeping confident, and it’s all about helping people out. The good will prevail, that’s the message which I love as I think it applies to life too. That’s my role, representing good.”

While Deniece’s costume is suitably sparkly and glitzy, she is rivalled in the wardrobe stakes by co-star Louie Spence.

Deniece said: “I have a great big glittery dress. I want to steal it at the end of the show and wear it to Tesco. Louie has a bright bright pink one so we are in competition. Mine is bigger but his is brighter.

“The best thing about doing this panto has been the people. I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch to work with for five or six weeks. They are so wonderful, young, beautiful. It’s just amazing and it’s been so much fun working together.

“I also love the production and the costume as it’s so sparkling. I put stones on my every day clothes so this is even better.”

Cinderella runs until January 6. For tickets call the box office 0844 871 7652 or go online www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes.