The festive period is here and there are so many shows that are available for audiences to go and watch! Over the next few weeks, we will be talking to lots of different shows and performers about what they have in store for this time of year! Today we find out all about a modern spin on Cinderella that is taking place between now and the end of December at Watford Palace Theatre. Today I speak to Luke Farrugia who plays one of the stepsisters to find out all about it.

Hello tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi! My name is Luke Farrugia. Hailing from the sunny island of Malta originally, I am now based in North West London. I’m an actor, and have worked in performance since graduating from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2015 – for as long as anyone would have me. I’ve recently played Timon in Disney’s the Lion King: Rhythm of the Pridelands in Paris, toured a lot of Europe with Vienna’s English Theatre and will appear in a new musical Frank’s Closet next year at the Union Theatre, Southwark. 

What is the show that you are bringing to the stage in this Festive season?

Our show is Cinderella, but with a 90s twist! It’s the story we all know and love, but it’s littered with 90s pop songs and references to relight that old nostalgic fire in all of us (above a certain age). It’s all making a comeback now anyway – so it should resonate with quite a variety of different people. 

Tell us all about the character that you play?

I play one of Cinderella’s stepsisters – you know the ones. In our panto, they’re called Britney & Christina (can you guess why. I play Christina opposite the wonderful Lucia Vinyard’s Britney. Christina is a whole 12 minutes older than her sibling and doesn’t let anyone forget it. She’s the quicker and the cleverer of the two, with an eye for fashion (a good eye or not – who’s to say?). All she wants is mummy’s approval though – she’ll probably do anything to get it. 

Will there be a bit of festivity in your show?

Oh, yes there is! It’s all set on NYE 1999, the eve of the new millennium! Plus, it’s Panto – what’s more festive than that?

What are your favourite things about the festive season and why?

For me, it’s all about appreciating your loved ones a little bit more, finding the perfect festive jumper and warm drinks. Helps keep the important things in perspective. 

This time of year the venues tend to be a bit busier as well – do you find that the audience changes at all?

No two audiences are ever the same, but panto definitely bring in a whole new crowd. It’s festive fun for all the family, for some it’s their first journey to the theatre in their whole life which is always magical! For some others, it’s their only trip to the theatre each year. 

What advice would you give for people performing around the festive season?

Keep warm, rest up and remember why you do it! Your audience loves it and you’re always making someone’s day. 

What is the best thing about a night at your show for the audience?

You can expect laughs, a few chances to shout, a lovely story, excellent costumes and colourful sets and a lot of 90s nostalgia. 

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

Find me on instagram as @yunatedus or on twitter as @dakh3mm. 

And finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Silly 90’s panto!