Evie Pickerill is playing Spirit of the Ring at Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, with the pantomime also starring Sario Solomon as Aladdin, Lauren Chia as Princess Jasmine, Kevin Clifton as Ivan Tochacha and Damian Williams as Dame Dolly, with the show running until Sunday 4th January 2026. As a presenter, Evie presents on CBeebies and can be seen playing Cinderella in the 2025 CBeebies Panto Cinderella, which airs on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, and since joining the channel as a presenter in 2018, Evie is part of CBeebies House Party LIVE and took the show to Glastonbury Festival, AO Arena in Manchester and The Lowry Theatre in Salford. As well as presenting on CBeebies, Evie has worked on CBBC HQ with Hacker T. Dog, and in February this year, she started her podcast Evie Asks… How Are You?, which won the Kids Award at the 2025 British Podcast Awards. Having supported charities such as Place2Be and Children with Cancer UK, as an ambassador for the latter, Evie is running the marathon to raise funds for the charity. Answering our questions, Evie told us about playing Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin at Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, her CBeebies career, what it’s like to be a presenter on the channel, and her podcast Evie Asks… How Are You?.

How does it feel to be performing in the Sheffield pantomime for the first time, as you play Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin at the Lyceum Theatre this festive season?

I feel very lucky to be in Sheffield performing in the legendary Lyceum pantomime, I’m having THE most wonderful time. Everyone is working so hard and I’m grateful to be part of such a kind and warm company. As for playing the Spirit of the Ring, she is a great part as she gets to have some funny moments but also interacts with the audience too!

What are you looking forward to for being part of Aladdin this year and how does it feel to be reprising your role of Spirit of the Ring, which you played last year at York Theatre Royal?

I’m excited to perform to a Sheffield audience, I hear they’re big panto lovers. I loved playing Spirit of the Ring previously in York last year, so very pleased to be reprising the role in Sheffield.

What can audiences expect from your portrayal of Spirit of the Ring and what is it like getting into character?

I think expect a little cheekiness, hopefully they’ll laugh along with the jokes and enjoy the music too! As soon as I apply the glitter and pop on the costume, I feel in character, I love my costume, it’s very sparkly!

You are starring alongside a cast including Sario Solomon as Aladdin, Lauren Chia as Princess Jasmine, Kevin Clifton as Ivan Tochacha and Damian Williams as Dame Dolly, how was it meeting them and rehearsing for the first show on Friday 5th December?

It’s been joyous, everyone is really talented and great in their roles. It’s a very special show! Not only is everyone super talented, but they’re all so kind and a pleasure to work with.

Do you have a favourite aspect of working on pantomimes, and how do you find the experience interacting with the audience?

I think my favourite aspect is knowing the audience are enjoying themselves, that’s what panto is all about, and leaving on a high!

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Aladdin at Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, which is booking until Sunday 4th January 2026?

100%, I think it’s going to be one of the BEST pantos in the UK and tickets are nearly SOLD OUT! I’m very proud to be part of this panto, and I’m so excited for the audience to see the magic of the show too!

This Christmas, you can also be seen playing Cinderella in the CBeebies Panto (which airs on CBeebies, BBC iPlayer and in cinemas), what was this year’s show like to film and how is it being part of the channel’s pantomimes?

It was a joy to play Cinderella. Like all CBeebies pantomimes, it has a brilliant twist to the story we all know and love. This year, the story is heartwarming, with a beautiful message for the little ones. The songs were brilliant to sing, written by Banks and Wag, and one lyric in particular has stuck with me: “No one else can do what you do”. I think that’s something we should all remember!

Do you remember how you felt joining CBeebies as a presenter in 2018, and what are some of your favourite highlights from working with them so far over the years?

It was my bucket list job, I still pinch myself now that I’m part of the CBeebies family. I don’t think I can pinpoint one thing, but it’s always a joy to meet the audience!

How is it performing with CBeebies House Party LIVE!, and what was it like taking the show to Glastonbury Festival, AO Arena in Manchester and The Lowry Theatre in Salford?

Electrifying!! The show is so much fun and suitable for all ages – my one-year-old niece had the best time, it was her first theatre show, and she enjoyed the whole 45 minutes! I love working with the CBeebies presenters and, of course, Justin (Fletcher) and Mister Maker!

You have also worked as a presenter for CBBC, what was it like filming at CBBC HQ and presenting alongside Hacker T. Dog?

Unpredictable, in the best possible way. You never know what Hacker is going to say or do, which is one of the reasons I love presenting with him – he keeps you on your toes! Although I would say I need to stop corpsing on live TV, he has that effect on me – it hasn’t happened in a while though, so I must be getting better at holding in the laughter!

Can you tell us about your podcast Evie Asks… How Are You? which you launched earlier this year and what was it like having it win the Kids Award at the 2025 British Podcast Awards?

It was very surreal, especially as we only launched the podcast in February 2025! The idea came to me a couple of years ago, and the episodes vary in length and we have different series (Morning, Bedtime, Big Feelings and Back to School).

The aim of the podcast is to help children feel in tune with their feelings and to give them tools to deal with any big feelings they may have, I also hope it helps little ones believe in themselves too. The podcast is aimed for KS1 and KS2!

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m very proud of what we have achieved so far!

Where does your love of presenting come from and how did you originally get into it?

I really enjoy talking to people. Listening to people’s stories and also in the CBeebies House hopefully bringing lots of joy to little ones!

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I love Friends. It’s my all-time favourite show! I’m a big Disney and Harry Potter fan too!

We understand you are involved with charity work (such as Children in Need), can you say about this?

It’s a role I take pride in, and I have loved helping to fundraise for Children in Need – whether that’s hosting the Kids’ Tent at CarFest, visiting Children in Need projects, or meeting some of the children that CIN help!

I’m also an ambassador for Children with Cancer UK, and I will be running the marathon with my partner Alex to raise money for the charity. Alongside that, I’m a champion for Place2Be, which is a mental health charity supporting children and young adults.

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

I love spending time with my family, friends and partner Alex. I also love to swim when I get the chance!

What are you hoping 2026 brings for you?

Health and happiness for myself and my family!! More of what 2025 has brought me, I have been incredibly lucky this year and I hope the luck continues – fingers crossed!

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