This Christmas, Derek Moran is playing Buttons in Cinderella at The Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare, having performed with them before, and with the pantomime running until Wednesday 31st December, Derek is working closely with Alanna Taylor as Cinderella, Gareth Gates as Prince Charming and Michael Goble and Paul Davies as the Wicked Stepsisters. Since 2007, Derek has been a presenter on Milkshake! and is part of the Milkshake! Live tours, and he has his own bedtime story and affirmation podcast called Little Sleepers Big Dreamers. Derek is currently working on a new TV show, which is due to air in 2026, and previously, he was a member of the Irish boy band D-Side. We found out from Derek about playing Buttons in Cinderella at The Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare, being a presenter on Milkshake!, his podcast Little Sleepers Big Dreamers and his time in the Irish boy band D-Side in the 2000s.

You are currently playing Buttons at The Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare in their 2025 pantomime of Cinderella, what will you bring to the character?

I always try to bring warmth, energy, and a lot of heart to Buttons. I love that he is a loveable character, and I want the audience to feel like I am their best friend. I love the mix of comedy and kindness.

Having performed in The Playhouse’s pantomime many times, how does it feel to be returning for another season and what is the theatre like to work at?

It feels like coming home. The Playhouse is such a special place for me. The staff, crew, and audiences are some of the friendliest you will find anywhere. There is a real community feel in Weston, and you can feel that warmth every time you step on stage.

How was it reading this year’s script for the first time, and what are pantomimes like to rehearse for?

Reading any script for the first time is exciting, and this script was a real page-turner. I remember messaging Mike, the director, as soon as I finished reading it, telling him how great it was and how excited I was to get started.

What is it like working with this year’s cast?

It is absolutely brilliant getting to work with Gareth Gates. He is very talented and really professional. And Michael (Goble) is a true pro. He knows pantomime inside out and always delivers.

What do you enjoy most about pantomimes and how is it interacting with families during the show?

I love that pantomime is pure joy, and that the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, can laugh together. The interaction is my favourite part, and those little moments of chaos make every show unique.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Cinderella at The Playhouse this Christmas?

Because it is the perfect family treat. You will get big laughs, catchy songs, beautiful costumes, and a story everyone knows and loves, all brought to life by a cast who genuinely care about giving Weston a fantastic Christmas show.

Since 2007, you have been a presenter on Milkshake!; what is the channel like to be part of?

I have been presenting Milkshake! for 19 years, so Milkshake! is my second home. It feels like family, and I am very proud of what we continue to achieve.

What are some of your stand-out highlights from being a Milkshake! presenter over the years?

There are so many, but the biggest highlights are meeting the children and families who watch the show, working with amazing presenters, and being part of things like Milkshake! Live and our seasonal specials. Every day feels different.

How do you find performing on the Milkshake! Live tours?

It is always such fun to be on the road, getting to meet our loyal audience who watch the show every morning. Seeing the children’s faces light up when their favourite characters come on stage is truly a pinch me moment.

Can you tell us about your bedtime story and affirmation podcast Little Sleepers Big Dreamers?

Little Sleepers Big Dreamers is a real passion project of mine. It is designed to help children wind down at night, creating something soothing for their bedtime routine. The response has been overwhelming, and I am really proud of it.

You were previously a member of the Irish boy band D-Side, do you have any favourite memories from your time in the group that you can share?

Looking back, moving to London at 16 to join a pop band was absolutely crazy, but I am so glad I did it. Getting to travel the world, fly on private planes and helicopters, and perform on Top of the Pops was incredible. Making genuine friendships with the D-Side boys are truly happy memories for me.

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

I think the love of music and performing comes from my grandparents and my parents. I was brought up always listening to music, and it was a school teacher when I was nine who suggested to my mum that I go to a stage school. The rest is really history. I started performing on TV when I was eleven, and it is all I have ever known.

What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

My favourite film at this time of year is definitely watching all the Home Alone movies. They make me feel so Christmassy. I also love watching shows like Race Across the World and really enjoyed I’m a Celebrity this year. And I love musicals. My favourite musical is definitely Miss Saigon.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I like to keep things simple. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going for walks with my dogs, taking Pilates classes, and listening to music or podcasts.

What are you hoping 2026 brings for you?

I am currently working on a new TV show with an amazing production company called Dochearts, and it will come out next year. Of course, I will also be back on Milkshake! and I am excited to continue growing my podcast. Hopefully more fun opportunities will come my way too.

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