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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.
Just Imagine
Episode 54 – All About the Junior Ensemble
This week’s podcast is all about the Junior Ensemble. A big part of the ethos at Imagine Theatre is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to experience performing in professional productions and Martin has a variety of guests on the pod this week to talk about the experience from different perspectives.
Martin speaks to Sarah O’Gleby who has gone on from the Junior Ensemble in Leicester to perform and choreograph on the West End and Broadway as well as working with artistes such as Beyonce, Harry Styles, Daniel Radcliffe and Hugh Jackman.
He also talks to two young performers who have spent many years appearing in the Junior Ensemble. They talk about what the auditions are like, the importance of keeping up with school work during the run, the benefits of appearing in a professional production and also offer a few important tips for auditionees and those successful in gaining a place in the show.
Martin also catches up with Head of Child Licensing at Imagine Theatre, Bethany Pearson, to learn more about the process of licensing more than 400 children each year.
