Families at Christmas – of course we love ‘em, but they can be an absolute nightmare at times, what with arguing over who gets to watch what on TV, the stress of cooking dinner and cheating at post-dinner party games.

But it’s also a time for getting together with long-lost relatives, forgiving usually annoying habits and maybe even enjoying each other’s company. And what better place to do that than at the pantomime?

I meet up with a little family, of sorts, in the auditorium of the Radlett Centre as preparations for Aladdin are kicking off – Aladdin himself, his mum Widow Twankey and brother Wishee Washee.

They’ve just met for the first time, but the banter and bickering common to all families is already in full swing.

Patrick Kearns, who grew up in Potters Bar, plays the dame, with Matthew Jeans, 24, taking on the role of Aladdin, his first outing as a leading man, and Rob Copeland, 27, as Wishee Washee, and they explain to me how their roles complement each other.

“Wishee Washee’s job, essentially, is to cause mayhem and trouble,“ says Rob, “as well as getting the kids to join in and have a lot of fun.“

Rob is an old-hand at playing the comic at Radlett, having been Buttons in Cinderella in 2008 and Muddles in Sleeping Beauty in 2009.

“They’ve been nice enough to have me back again – or maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment,“ he laughs.

‘Mum’ Patrick jumps in to go one better. “I’ve done panto since 1989. I’ve been playing dames since about 1998 in Rickmansworth. I have played the comic before and I did play the villain one year.”

“But he missed wearing a dress!“ shouts out director Victoria Ward, who’s been listening in.

“Yes,“ Patrick laughs. “I actually wanted to play Princess Jasmine, you know.“

“So is this –,“ Rob gestures at Patrick’s rainbow-coloured wig, gold lame tights and purple Converse boots, “what I’ve got to look forward to, then?“ He pretends to wail.

“Look into my face,” Patrick laughs, “this is your future!

"But," he continues, “being the dame is great. People often think panto is just for children and actually it’s for families. Wishee Washee’s there to make the children laugh and Widow Twankey’s job is to keep the adults entertained.“

So what of Aladdin? Matthew is the quiet one in the ‘family’ and has been happy to let the other two do most of the talking – is that like his character?

“I suppose so, yes,“ he says, “the leading man doesn’t really try to compete with the dame and the comic to be funny, his job is to drive the story, keep everyone following what’s going on. So I’m just going to be playing him straight.

“Straight!“ the other two cackle, and Matthew roles his eyes.

Families at Christmas, eh?

  • Aladdin is at the Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett until December 31. Details: 01923 859291, radlettcentre.co.uk