With panto season in full swing we caught up with a couple of stars from this year’s production of Peter Pan, writes Andy Bloss.

Fairfield Halls’ pantomimes are without doubt the most popular shows of the year with tickets already selling out fast.

There are hopes that Peter Pan could bring a record-breaking panto season to Croydon and already it is the talk of the town on twitter.

One character who has drawn plenty of plaudits is Quinn Patrick who plays the popular dame Mrs Smee.

The former South College graduate also played the dame in last year’s Jack in the Beanstalk production to much acclaim.

Patrick says he first got into playing the dame when it was a suggested to him by a previous theatre producer.

He says: “I love the comedy and the fact you can be so completely outrageous. People rely on the dame to provide the mischief and I'm happy to oblige.

“I like the history of panto season. The fact that it has been and still is, one of the only times, generations of a family come to the theatre together and can all be entertained.

“It often kicks off the Christmas spirit too and I feel lucky to be part of that.”

Patrick also says it has been a pleasure to work with Eastenders star Steve McFadden, who plays the role of the evil Captain Hook.

“Steve is so great to work with. You get to work with a lot of famous people as a dame and it makes your life so much easier when that person is good,” he says.

“He came to rehearsals ready to work, with great idea's and is happy to share the spotlight. He's happy to take the fun out of his infamous Eastenders character and the audience love him for that.”

Elizabeth Carter, who plays Wendy, has also been singled out for praise for her role in the show.

The 27-year-old has had a hectic couple of years having been on the road touring Bill Kenwright’s Save The Last Dance for Me in 2013 and Dreamboats and Petticoats in 2012.

Carter is on familiar territory this Christmas though having played the role of Wendy before for writer Paul Hendy.

She says: “It has been great fun so far. The audiences have been great and the cast is brilliant.

“Wendy is a lovely character and I am sure a lot of the younger girls in the audience will relate to her.

“It is really nice to be a part of Christmas and seeing the kids faces in the audience is a reward in itself so that is great.”

Carter adds: “The show is really funny, the music is wicked, every single member of the cast is spot on, Steve McFadden is great to watch, Quinn is hilarious, I think everyone will love the show.”

Peter Pan, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, December 6 to January 5, various times, £13 to £28, family ticket £87, www.fairfield .co.uk or phone 02086889291.