Rhys Stephenson is currently starring as Charlie in the Grove Theatre pantomime The All New Adventures of Peter Pan in Dunstable, which runs until Sunday 4th January 2026, and Rhys works alongside Alexander Kranz as Peter Pan, Rita Simons as Captain Hook, Will Kenning as Mrs Sweet, Aoife Haakenson as Tink, Natasha Hoeberigs as Miss Doodle / Myrtle and Imogen Craig as Poppy Sunshine. As a presenter on CBeebies House, having previously presented for CBBC, Rhys plays Prince Brad in this year’s CBeebies pantomime of Cinderella, which is airing on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, and has been shown in cinemas. Chatting with us, Rhys talks about being in the cast of The All New Adventures of Peter Pan at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable, performing as Charlie in the pantomime and working with CBeebies (including for this year’s pantomime Cinderella).

What are you looking forward to for continuing your role of Charlie in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan over Christmas at Grove Theatre in Dunstable?

I’m looking forward to how fit I’m going to be at the end of the run! Panto is not for the weak.

Can you tell us about your character and what can audiences expect from your portrayal?

Charlie is just a lovable guy who just wants to do a good job, even if he is working for a sea tyrant.

What is it like performing alongside Alexander Kranz (Peter Pan), Rita Simons (Captain Hook), Will Kenning (Mrs Sweet), Aoife Haakenson (Tink), Natasha Hoeberigs (Miss Doodle / Myrtle) and Imogen Craig (Poppy Sunshine) and have you worked with any of them previously?

I’ve never worked with any of the cast, which makes it more exciting for me. I think we’re going to have a great time playing on stage and figuring out what jokes work.

How did you prepare for opening in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan and how has it been reading the script for the first time?

Repetition is my best teacher, so I went over that script non-stop. I’ll try to stay as physical as I can to make it through all those shows.

How is it interacting with a pantomime audience and seeing families getting involved?

I love it! You can’t have panto without the audience, they’re basically part of the cast.

How did you feel on your first performance on Friday 5th December and why would you recommend booking tickets to see The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, which is booking until Sunday 4th January 2026?

Definitely a bit nervous and excited, but that’s always how I feel before a show. Panto tickets go so fast so you have to get in there early, especially if you’re a big family.

You are also playing Prince Brad in this year’s CBeebies pantomime – Cinderella, which is airing on CBeebies, BBC iPlayer and in cinemas, what do you enjoy about performing in pantomimes for CBeebies and what was this year’s show like to film?

I love the costumes and the fact that, for many, the CBeebies panto is an introduction to theatre for a lot of the kids.

How has it been moving to presenting for CBeebies House, having previously presented for CBBC, and how do you find the experience working on children’s TV?

It’s been tricky as you have to adjust your tone for a much younger audience even in the words you use. Simpler is always better.

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