Delroy Atkinson, best known for starring in Still Crazy and Small Island, is playing the cook in Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal Statford East. He tells us what it’s like being a panto dame.

So, let’s get this straight, you’re playing a Dame and a Cook, or are you just Dame Cook?

It’s SHIRLEY the cook... Madam Shirley to you!

You’ve appeared on stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East on quite a few occasions, but is this the first time you’ve donned eyelashes for a show?

Yeah, I’m a first time Dame, although I have worn some pretty strange things on this stage...

What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing this larger than life character to life?

There’s no real challenge, with a great team around you, all you have to do is be open and let it happen.

Do you have any advice for Dames-to be?

Bring your ‘A-game’ and a sense of humour.

What’s it like wearing high-heels? Did you get any advice from anyone you know?

Like normal shoes, just higher and...erm .... No.