Sam first donned the giant wig and slapped on way too much makeup at the tender age of 19, to star as the Dame for Sutton Coldfield am-dram group the Vesey Players. He’s since made quite a splash on the professional circuit, both here in the UK and over in the United Arab Emirates - where, he reveals, he’s even been known to use that old festive favourite the Brussel sprout as a pizza topping!

What makes Christmas magical for you?

Pantomime, mince pies, Christmas markets and turkey sandwiches!

What was your first ever experience as a Dame?

I was cast as Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington for Pantoni Pantomimes down in Yeovil. I’d been working in entertainment for a few years, but it was my first professional job in a theatre and my first working as a Dame.

If you weren’t a Dame, what other panto character would you like to play?

I’ve always wanted to play Smee. I love the story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. I think maybe I see some similarities! I think Peter Pan is a great show; not traditional but so magical. And the relationship between Hook and Smee just makes me laugh.

Have you ever had any costume malfunctions?

Only ever in the dress rehearsal. Part of my costume didn’t sew up right, so it looked like I had a billowing cape on and was doing my impression of SuperTrott!

What’s your all-time favourite panto?

Dick Whittington! I love the story, I love the fact we get to travel from London to Morocco, so the scenes are always so different, and in between we go on a boat and under the water. So there’s something for everyone in there. I also think it lends itself to some of the best slosh scenes. There’s the chance to play either on the boat or in the kitchen. I think it’s a great traditional pantomime.

Who’s your scariest villain?

Carabose in Sleeping Beauty. She has a dragon! I’ve worked with two great actresses who played Carabose, and they both sent tingles down my spine when they brought that dragon on. I made sure I was always in the wings to watch that.

Never work with children or animals. Comment...

Always work with children and animals! You never know what you’re going to get, and that’s the joy of pantomime. I love doing the song sheet and getting a couple of children up. Usually, after two hours of pantomime, the kids’ answers in the song sheet are what the parents go home talking about. And there’s something magical about real ponies coming onto stage to take Cinderella to the ball. The noise you hear the audience make when they come on is just the best.

Do you have a routine to ensure you’re ‘panto ready’?

Not really. I think because I love it so much, I spend most of my year ready for it! Before the show, I try not to get into any routines, as then you HAVE to do them, and then it gets silly. I got into a routine once when I played Ugly Sister, and it ended up driving me mad because if me and Matt Danies (my sister) didn’t do one of these things, we would have a panic! So no more routines!

Where will you be spending Christmas Day?

At home, with my family and my new puppy #FrankieTheFrenchie. Every pantomime I’ve do so far, I’ve driven home Christmas Eve and then headed to our local pub for a few drinks with my three brothers. Occasionally my mom will pop in for a small sherry. Christmas Day we cook and then enjoy the biggest dinner of the year!

What’s top of your Christmas list?

You’ve caught me off guard there! With getting a puppy and getting ready for panto, I haven’t actually thought about what I want for Christmas. However, if you’re offering I could use an Apple Watch.

What’s the worst gift anyone could ever give you?

Turkish Delight. I can’t stand it. It looks so nice and tasty, but then I pop it in and can’t stand it!

Favourite festive tipple?

Port. What says Christmas better than a glass of port and a slice of mouldy cheese?

New Year resolution?

I made a New Year resolution 10 years ago and have managed never to break it. And that was never to make another one. I’m keeping up the good work!

Do you ever get post-panto blues?

I don’t get time! For the past couple of years, I’ve flown straight out to Dubai for three months’ work. So I don’t get the chance to get them. But I guess if I didn’t do that, I probably would, as it’s such a great two months with amazing people. When it all ends, it’s hard just to stop.

Sam plays Dame Widow Twankey in Aladdin, which shows at Lichfield Garrick from Thurs 30 November to Sat 6 January