One of pantoland’s best known Dames, Christian Patterson has carved out a fantastic career for himself at Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre, where he’s ‘rouged up’ most years since 2006. He’s big pals with Jonathan Wilkes, another fella who’s very much part of the furniture when it comes to the business of Potteries pantos.

What makes Christmas magical for you?

As far as I’m concerned, panto is Christmas! Well, panto… and mince pies! No panto, no mince pies… NO CHRISTMAS!

What was your first ever experience as a Dame?

Well, the first time I appeared in a frock in panto was as an Ugly Sister at the Regent Theatre, Stoke, in 2006, but I played my first proper Dame two years later, again at the Regent, in Dick Whittington, alongside my dear friend Jonny Wilkes. I was giving my Sarah the Cook and Jonny was giving his…Richard Whittington!

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

I love playing inept baddies! When I played Herman the Henchman in Snow White, I was given total freedom with the character, so I turned him from being totally evil into being totally useless! But if I was able to do any character, then I think I’d like to play the fairy as a Dame. So watch this space because you never know when you might see Dame Fairy Hairy of Old Hanley Town!

Have you ever had any costume malfunctions?

Loads! It’s part and parcel of being a dame! I’m a big lad and I’ve got to get in and out of those heavy costumes twice a day, every day - so yes, I’ve seen my fair share of costume fails! Not to mention the time when Jonny fell off a chair and ripped his trouser from zip to rear belt loop! Of course, Jonny being Jonny, he just quietly carried on…Not!

What’s your all-time favourite panto?

Peter Pan! I never thought I’d say that! We avoided it like the plague because we were worried we couldn’t make it work...but we LOVED it! In fact, I can’t wait to do it again!

Who’s your scariest villain?

I think King Rat is the baddest of the baddies!

Never work with children or animals. Comment...

Ha! Well I would add, “Never work with children… unless they’re from the Wilkes Academy!” Can someone tell Jonny I said that and make sure the cheque is in the post! But in all honestly, they’re the best! I work with an animal every year… Jonny! It’s like working with a trained chimp!

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

Once I’ve done my makeup shop and my dressing toiletries shop, I know I’m panto ready. I did them both today - guess who’s panto ready? Me! Yeah, baby!

Where will you be spending Christmas Day?

We spent it in Stoke last year and loved it so much we’re doing exactly the same this year!

What’s top of your Christmas list?

World peace and a 32inch waist… and I’m flexible on the world peace! I actually don’t care what I get or if I got nothing at all -  I’m just happy to be with my family and friends.

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

A book on making soups! I really don’t see the point of soup! It’s hot, juiced veg!

Sprouts - yes or no?

Yes! I find breaking wind hilarious, so anything that makes you gassy is a must!

Favourite festive tipple?

I don’t drink alcohol and never have - I like the taste of Elderflower, so something Elderflowery!

New Year resolution?

To never make New Year’s resolutions - life’s too short! Enjoy yourself!

Do you ever get post-panto blues?

Yes - and they’re terrible! Panto consumes your life for the entire Christmas period, and when you stop it’s like going…cold turkey! (Boom! Boom!)

Christian plays Widow Twankey in Aladdin, which shows at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Fri 15 December to Sun 7 January