Watford Palace Theatre’s five star family pantomime is back with the classic love story Beauty and the Beast which sees Terrence Frisch return as the Dame.

We spoke to him about life in panto.

What makes pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre so special?

The Palace still has so much of the charm of a traditional Edwardian theatre and that really adds to the magic. There’s been a panto for most years at the Palace since 1908 and it’s a terrific feeling to perform on the stage where so many greats have trodden the boards, and the Palace audiences are brilliant.

Any memorable moments from pantos past?

Every season has its mishaps. I remember almost being clobbered by a falling mirror-ball. Another time I cut my hand on a pyro-box whilst rescuing Daisy the Cow’s bucket before it fell into the audience. I ended up in hospital with blood poisoning; the back-end of the cow had to go on as my understudy.

Tell us about your career

I’ve been lucky to have a go at most things and to keep working. It’s a tricky business. Actors don’t get to choose; they do whatever comes along. Oh, and Mr Scorsese was terribly nice.

What can you tell us about Beauty and the Beast?

I’m sure we’ll have a maiden, named Beauty I think, and an ugly great Beast who gives her the wink. There’s a goodie, a baddie and jokes that will fizz, and a song-sheet to finish – oh yes there is!

There’ll be toe-tapping dances and fantastic tunes, some gags and some chases where they run round like loons. They’ll make sumptuous costumes, build remarkable sets, and that chap dressed as a woman, before I forget. All thrown together for some Christmastide fun; what an odd thing to muse whilst I sit in the sun.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ, until Saturday, December 31. Details: 01923 235455