The advent calendars are in the shops, Christmas lights are starting to appear and Richmond Theatre is gearing up for the start of the pantomime season.

Following the success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty - hailed as “pretty much the perfect panto” by the Times - the theatre is hoping to delight the children (and adults) of Richmond once again with its staging of Cinderella.

Headlining the show is comedian and TV star Jenny Eclair.

“At the great old age of 51 this is my first pantomime,” she exclaims. “I’ve wanted to do one for ages so I was excited when they asked me.”

As the fairy godmother, she says she will struggle to keep her wicked side in check.

“I’d probably be better suited to the wicked witch or evil stepsister,” she tells me - and confides she is looking to her co-star, pantomime veteran Gary Wilmot, to take her by the hand in her pantomime debut.

Wilmot has been performing in pantomimes and West End musicals since 1989, including leading roles in Me and My Girl and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This year he will be playing Cinderella’s hopelessly love-struck servant Buttons.

“I love the character and I love the story - it’s romantic, it’s a great yarn. I just try to be a big kid out there,” he says.

Taking the role of his beloved Cinderella is Kellie Shirley, best known as Carly Wicks, in EastEnders, who says she loves the great British tradition of pantomime - and the rags-to-riches fairytale has particular relevance to Britain this year.

“I’ll be channelling the Kate Middleton in my performance,” she says “It’s a great role to play - it’s just like being a princess for the day.”

Her royal suitor Elliot Harper, another pantomime regular, is looking forward to the performance for a different reason.

“I’m always Prince Charming,” he says, before lowering his voice and admitting: “I’d really like to play the dame at some point. She has the most fun... but then I wouldn’t get to kiss the leading lady.”

Cinderella is at Richmond Theatre from December 9 until January 15.