On Friday 5th December, Joe Sleight will begin his starring role of Jack Trott in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, with tickets booking until Sunday 4th January. With Joe playing Jack Trott in the pantomime, he will be working closely with Nigel Harman as Fleshcreep, Andy Collins as Silly Simon, Emma Crossley as Jill Pickle and Leon Craig as Dame Trott, and tickets are available on ATG. Joe is currently touring as Eddie in Blood Brothers (having played the character a number of times previously), and the show is open at Grand Opera House Belfast until Saturday 8th November before heading to Doncaster (11th to 15th) and Salford (18th to 22nd) and running into the new year. Over his years in theatre so far, Joe’s other projects including being in the cast of 101 Dalmatians The Musical at the Eventim Apollo this summer, where he also covered the role of Pongo, and he was understudy Boq in the West End production of Wicked. Answering our questions, Joe talked to us about starring as Jack Trott in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, working alongside a cast including Nigel Harman and Emma Crossley and his time as Eddie in Blood Brothers over the years.

This Christmas, you’re starring in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk as Jack Trott; what are you looking forward to for opening on Friday 5th December?

I’m honestly just buzzing to get started! There’s nothing like that first night feeling – all the hard work in rehearsals finally coming together, the lights, the laughter, the audience energy. It’s such a special moment. Plus, there’s something about opening a panto in December that really kicks off the Christmas spirit!

What’s the character like to play?

Jack’s such a brilliant part to play. He’s cheeky, full of energy, a bit daft at times, but his heart’s always in the right place. He’s the classic ‘dream big’ kind of guy, and I love that about him. And let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want to climb a beanstalk and take on a giant?

What do you enjoy most about performing in pantomimes, and what do you think this year’s show will be like to work on?

Panto is just pure fun. It’s silly, it’s loud, it’s packed with songs and jokes – and every audience reacts differently, which keeps it fresh. I think this year’s show is going to be a big one – loads of laughs, some proper ‘wow’ moments, and a few surprises too. I can’t wait to get stuck in with this cast and creative team.

How was it meeting your fellow cast members, including Nigel Harman as Fleshcreep, Andy Collins as Silly Simon, and Emma Crossley as Jill Pickle?

They’re all amazing! Nigel’s brilliant – he’s got this perfect mix of charm and menace as Fleshcreep, and he’s a great laugh off stage. Andy is basically Mr Panto, so working with him will be a total joy (and a bit of a workout trying not to crack up on stage!). Emma’s got a stunning voice and such a lovely energy – it’s a really fun bunch.

How do you find the experience of interacting with a pantomime audience and seeing families getting involved?

That’s honestly my favourite part. Panto audiences are unlike any other – the kids shouting out, the parents laughing along, the chaos of it all! You never quite know what’s going to happen, and that’s the magic of it. Seeing families come together and have a good time makes it all worthwhile.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, which is booking until Sunday 4th January?

Because it’s going to be a proper festive treat! You’ll get laughs, music, magic beans, a massive beanstalk, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. It’s the perfect way to kick off Christmas with the whole family – and we promise to send everyone home smiling (and maybe singing a tune or two).

You are currently touring as Eddie in Blood Brothers, how is it getting into character?

Eddie’s such a lovely role to play – he’s this sweet, sheltered kid who grows up in such a different world to Mickey, and you really see how life shapes them both. Getting into character is all about finding that innocence and keeping it truthful as he grows older. It’s emotional, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

What’s it like telling the story of Blood Brothers and seeing the audience response to it?

It’s amazing. The story hits people really hard – you can feel it in the room. Some nights the audience is in tears, other nights they’re cheering – or both! It’s one of those shows that stays with you, and being part of that is something really special.

Was there anything that originally drew you to Blood Brothers, and how has it been reprising your role and getting back on tour?

The first time I saw Blood Brothers, I was blown away by how real it felt. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and totally human. Getting to come back to it and play Eddie again has been amazing – it’s like revisiting an old friend but finding new things in the story each time.

How was your time in 101 Dalmatians The Musical at the Eventim Apollo this summer?

That was such a fun job! The show was massive – the puppetry, the design, everything looked incredible. Covering Pongo was a great challenge, and getting to be part of a story everyone knows and loves was a real treat. Plus, I got to bark for a living, which isn’t something you can say very often!

What was it like understudying Boq in Wicked in the West End and do you have any favourite memories from being in the cast?

Wicked was a dream come true. The first time I went on as Boq was terrifying and thrilling all at once – the buzz was unreal. I’ll never forget it. The cast were so supportive and welcoming, and it really felt like one big family. There’s something magical about walking into that theatre every day.

Where does your love of performing come from, and how did you get into it?

I think it started when I was little – I just loved stories and music. I got involved in local theatre as a kid and completely fell in love with it. From there it just kind of snowballed! I’ve been lucky enough to keep doing what I love ever since.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you love to see that you haven’t yet?

I’ll always love Les Misérables – it’s just classic. Dear Evan Hansen is another favourite for its honesty. I still haven’t seen Hadestown, and everyone tells me it’s incredible, so that’s high on my list!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to keep things pretty chilled when I’m not working – catching up with friends and family, watching films, finding good coffee spots on tour. I love a good walk or a trip to the cinema too. Basically, anything that lets me switch off and recharge a bit!

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