BWW PANTO Q&A: Natasha J Barnes

BWW speaks to Natasha J Barnes about her role in Cinderella at the London Palladium.

You've had quite a year - how does it feel to be rounding it off with the Palladium pantomime?

It's a theatre I've always wanted to work in, and to be playing the title role in the first panto there in 29 years is amazing.

What was the first panto you saw?

I have actually never seen a proper panto. So I guess Cinderella!

Tell us about your character and how you're putting your own spin on her

I suppose I am putting a bit of myself into her, so she's a bit geekier than your average Cinderella and maybe a bit feistier at times. Though you can't really play feisty to Paul O'Grady as the stepmother... She's terrifying!

Would you ever fancy playing the villain?

Absolutely. Who wouldn't?

Why do you think pantomime is so special to UK audiences?

It's a theatrical institution in this country. It appeals to all ages and for many of our younger audience members it's one of the first experiences they will have at the theatre. Panto stays with you for a long time I think.

Have you ever had any onstage disasters?

I think on stage even the smallest thing can feel like a disaster. I once blanked during a song and, after what felt like an hour at the time, I missed a few words of one line. By the time I got to the end of the number I had convinced myself I was fired and exiled from theatre forever! It's all the heightened emotions.

What did you learn from your Funny Girl experience, and has it given you more confidence to lead a show?

My work ethic is still very much the same as before Funny Girl. No matter what part you play and no matter what your role in the company your job is protect your work. I suppose in that respect I have learnt how to maintain a very demanding role eight shows a week. I never really look outside what I do on that stage. If I did, after this year in particular, I think I would be too overwhelmed to make it into work in the first place!

What's next for you after Cinderella?

I am very lucky and have a few very exciting things in the pipeline, which I'm looking forward to sharing with you all soon...

Cinderella at the London Palladium until 15 January, 2017. Book tickets here

Read our interview with Lee Mead