BWW Interviews: Sharon D Clarke and Josefina Gabrielle of Hackney Empire's PUSS IN BOOTS!

"We're having such fun!" enthuses Sharon D Clarke. She sounds remarkably perky for someone who's just started the traditional gruelling British panto schedule.

But then the Hackney Empire panto isn't your usual panto.

Now in its 15th year, written and directed by Susie McKenna, the Hackney Christmas show is noted for its quality of content and casting - shown very clearly by the musical theatre stars it attracts. This year, it features names such as Clarke and Josefina Gabrielle (already pals from their time in Chicago), Tony Timberlake (Spamalot), and Amy Lennox (Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music).

"There's no pressure on us, we're just enjoying ourselves," laughs Clarke, "but I think Susie is feeling the weight of expectation. I told her that she had nothing to prove!"

"She was born to this, to a family of variety performers," adds Gabrielle. "She knows this world so well."

Clarke and Gabrielle play rivals in the show, and are careful not to give away too much plot.

"After all," says Clarke, "this is a story that's not that well known. Everyone knows the name 'Puss in Boots' - and they probably know him from 'Shrek' or something - but they don't necessarily know what happens. This is a story about his persuasive skills, his journey, and the people he meets along the way - but there'll be an element of surprise for the audience."

Gabrielle does reveal that she plays a magical evil witch, though. "I have to do one of my entrances from the royal box, and as I was going down the corridor I ran into a little boy, who'd obviously left the audience to go to the bathroom of something - and he just froze, he looked terrified to see me! I tried to reassure him, 'No, no, it's OK, I'm nice, really!' But with my evil make-up right in his face - well, I think I might have made it worse."

She'll be bringing along her young nieces and nephews to see the show - and is hoping not to scare them too.

"Susie writes on all levels," says Clarke. "From five to 105 there's something to enjoy - and there's nothing blue, this is a family show - but that doesn't mean you have to bring kids along! You could come along with a hen party and be raucous and have a great time! And, of course, it's Hackney - so it's multicultural. There really is something for everyone."

Puss in Boots plays the Hackney Empire until January 5th.