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Just Imagine
Just Imagine – a podcast series from Imagine Theatre, one of the world’s leading producers of professional pantomime. With over 250 productions to their name, Imagine are true experts in this uniquely British theatrical tradition.
Join host Martin Ballard as we go behind the scenes to meet the people who bring the magic to life – discovering their stories, their roles, and answering that all-important question: what do they do for the rest of the year?
Along the way, we’ll explore the pantomime genre itself – its quirks, its history, and why it continues to delight audiences across the UK. Whether you’re a panto fan, theatre lover, or just curious about what it takes to stage hundreds of shows at once, Just Imagine offers a fun and fascinating listen.
Episodes
132 episodes
Episode 130 - Focus On Title: Goldilocks
Episode 130 of the Just Imagine Podcast takes a closer look at one of pantomime’s most colourful and fast-growing titles — Goldilocks and the Three Bears.Host Martin Ballard is joined by Scottish actor, singer and director Andre...
Episode 129 - UK Pantomime Awards 2026
Episode 129 – Live from the UK Pantomime Awards 2026!In this episode of the Just Imagine Podcast, Martin takes you right to the heart of the action at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026 – the biggest night in the panto calendar...
Episode 128 - Ste Johnston
Martin is joined by panto comic Ste JohnstonLaughter, graft and life behind the greasepaint take centre stage in this episode of Just Imagine.Martin sits down with Ste Johnston, the much‑loved panto comic, f...
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Episode 127 - Matt Ladkin
In Episode 127 of the Just Imagine Podcast, Martin sits down with Lighting Designer Matt Ladkin to explore the creative and technical craft behind lighting that truly transforms spaces and experiences.Matt shares his...
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Episode 126 - Richie Anderson
Featuring BBC Radio’s Richie AndersonThis week on Just Imagine, Martin is joined by the brilliantly energetic and endlessly warm Richie Anderson, BBC Radio presenter and much‑loved personality from The One Show<...
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Episode 125a - Celebrating Neurodiversity
This bonus episode of the Just Imagine Podcast has been released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week.In this special conversation, Martin Ballard chats with actor and director Jason Marc-Williams about neurodiversity, his own ...
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Episode 125 - A Year In The Life Of A Producer - Part One
Welcome to Episode 125 of the Just Imagine podcast – and the start of something brand new.This week marks the first instalment of our brand-new series, “A Year in the Life of a Producer.” Over the coming months, we’ll be li...
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Episode 124 - Sue Holderness
This week on the Just Imagine Podcast, we’re joined by a true British screen and stage favourite – Sue Holderness!Best known to millions as Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses, Sue has enjoyed a remarkable caree...
Episode 123 - Sarah & Steve Boden
After producing 21 Christmas shows across the UK, Imagine Theatre Joint CEO's Sarah and Steve Boden sit down with Martin to reflect on the 2025/2026 season.They reflect on the scale of the season just gone and look ahead to what 2026 wil...
Episode 122 - JP McCue & Sean Dodds
This week, Martin is joined by two much-loved faces of the Royal Spa Centre pantomime, JP McCue and Sean Dodds, as they take their final bows after a decade of starring in the pantomime each year in Leamington Spa.In this episode,...
Episode 121 - Andy Ford
This week, Martin is joined by comedy legend Andy Ford—a true stalwart of British entertainment.Starting in show business at a young age, Andy starred on Jonathan Ross’s Big Big Talent Show in 1997, before going on to appear on ...
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Episode 120 - Suzanne Shaw
This week on the podcast, Martin is joined by the fabulous Suzanne Shaw, currently appearing as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington at De Montfort Hall, Leicester.Suzanne is a true all-rounder with an excepti...
Episode 119 - Elaine C Smith
This week, Martin is joined by the brilliant Elaine C. Smith, a true icon of Scottish showbusiness with a career spanning more than 40 years.Elaine is best known for her standout roles in City Lights, Rab C. Nesbitt
A Focus on Aladdin
Simon Sladen and David Ashley join Martin on the podcast this week for another deep dive into a classic pantomime title — this time, Aladdin.First staged at Covent Garden in 1788, Aladdin has become one of the most freq...
Episode 117 - Hilary O'Neil
Singer, comedian, impressionist, actress, musical theatre performer and pantomime veteran Hilary O’Neil joins Martin on this week’s podcast. Although she loved to dance as a child, Hilary never initially planned a career in s...
Episode 116 - The Panto Baddie
This week, Martin is joined by Divina De Campo and Andy Hockley to dive into one of the most deliciously wicked ingredients of any good pantomime – the panto baddie!Together, they explore the fascinating history ...
UKPA - Pantomime Scriptwriting Panel
The UK Pantomime Association recently hosted their second Panto Panel at the North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford, this time shining a spotlight on the art of scriptwriting and Martin was there to talk to some of the country’s top panto writers.
Episode 114 - Anita Harris
Actor, singer, and dancer Anita Harris has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades. From chart-topping hits to memorable roles in the iconic Carry On films, Anita has shared the stage and screen with some of the biggest names ...
Episode 113 – The Road to Panto: Anton Stephans, Andrew Pollard & Cathy Breeze in Conversation
Episode 112 - Panto Legend Bobby Bennett
This week’s guest on Just Imagine is true panto legend, TV presenter, and all-round entertainer Bobby Bennett.Bobby’s love affair with panto began at just seven years old, when he stepped onto the stage for his very first show. ...
Episode 111 - Surinderella
This week, Martin sits down with Pravesh Kumar, Artistic Director of Rifco Theatre Company, to talk about Surinderella — his brand-new, Bollywood-inspired pantomime, touring this autumn. Produced in association with Imagine Theatre, Wo...
Episode 110 - Jarred Christmas
This week on the podcast, Martin is joined by the brilliantly funny Jarred Christmas.Originally from New Zealand, Jarred has called the UK home for over two decades, carving out a successful career as a stand-up comedian. He's a familiar...
Episode 109 - The Role of the DSM
This week we are going behind the scenes into the world of the DSM. We are joined by Jazmyne Evans and Kayleigh Alstin who both have a range of experience in theatre including as DSMs. Martin talks to them about how their interest i...