This year, Maxwell Thorpe is making his pantomime debut as Charlie in Lyceum Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, alongside a cast including Wendi Peters, which run throughout the festive season until 3rd January 2023. As an opera singer, Maxwell was a contestant on Series 15 of Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, reaching the Final, and he recently released his debut single Believe in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity. Answering our questions, Maxwell spoke to us about playing Charlie in Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyceum Theatre for his pantomime debut, reaching the Final of Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year and releasing his debut single Believe.

This Christmas, you will be playing Charlie in Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, what is it like making your pantomime debut in this role?

It’s certainly a new challenge. At first I found it quite hard to relax and worried about getting things wrong, but after spending time rehearsing, and getting to know the cast, I’ve learned to relax into the role and enjoy the experience.

How did you prepare to play Charlie and what can audiences expect from your portrayal of the character?

I learnt by watching the other members of the cast. The audience can expect some big song moments.

What was it like meeting the cast for the first time and what are you looking forward to most for being part of Jack and the Beanstalk over the festive season?

It was a new experience working with a group, as with busking, I was always solo, so being part of a collective of such professional actors, singers and dancers is a wonderful experience.

How do you think you’ll find the experience interacting with a pantomime audience?

I’m looking forward to it. The feedback, I’m sure, will spur us on and help us to enjoy the experience more too.

Why would you recommend booking tickets for this year’s pantomime at the Lyceum Theatre?

If you want to feel pretty much every emotion in one night, all whilst getting properly entertained, then book your tickets now!

How was it being a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year and what encouraged you to apply?

Again, it was another completely new endeavour, but to be around such professionalism, being whisked here and there was awesome and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What was the experience like on the show and reaching the Final?

It was exciting, stressful, and all of the above. A proper whirlwind, but I was super proud of myself for even getting an audition, so being in the Final was wild.

What did you enjoy most about your time on Series 15 and performing live on stage?

The audience reaction. They really get behind you and make you feel like a superstar.

You’ve recently released your debut single Believe, in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity, can you tell us about the single and how did it feel having it released?

It’s all about following your dream and passion, whatever it is. Never give up basically and you can really change your reality. It’s quite a surreal experience to have a proper single released, and all for such an important cause.

Where does your love of opera come from and how did you start?

I’ve always been impressed with emotion in the music, and the power that it has and a big voice can bring to it. I started classical singing lessons at age 14, and as my voice matured, it only seemed right to go for opera.

Can you tell us about some of your recent performances and do you have any upcoming music plans that you can share?

I’ve recently sung on both pitches of our famous football clubs, which I’ll never forget. I was meant to sing at the 10-year 2012 Olympic remembrance meal at the EIS, but it got cancelled due to the unfortunate passing of EIIR.

Not as of yet, just the pantomime.

Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to and who would you most like to collaborate with?

I’m a huge fan of the Belgian/Rwandan artist, Stromae, so to perform with him would be a dream come true.

How do you like to spend your time away from your career?

I like nature, so a walk in the countryside, meals with friends, and a good game of UNO.

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