An interview with Cinderella’s Prince Charming…JJ Hamblett!

Q: Is this your first time doing pantomime?

JJ Hamblett: It is yes but hopefully not the last. Knowing I’m performing in Blackpool with this amazing cast is so exciting and hopefully I can pull off prince charming.

Q: Are you nervous at all?

JJ Hamblett: I am nervous, mainly about the lines because when you’re on stage you don’t get that second chance. It’s not like when you’re recording something you can’t just do another take. I guess that’s why we’ve got great people like Steve Royle here to pull something out of the bag if I do slip up.

Q: Since you are playing prince charming, what is the most charming or romantic thing you have ever done for a loved one?

JJ Hamblett: I remember for a girlfriend’s birthday I took her to Paris as a surprise for the weekend. We did Disney Land, The Eiffel Tower and all of that. That was pretty romantic.

Q: What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

JJ Hamblett: Spending it with the family and usually having a bit of time off. Obviously, this year I only have one day off which is different but I think I am going to drive down to Cornwall which will be a long drive. It will be tough not spending a lot of time with the family but I’ll be in great company with the cast so I’m sure I’ll be fine.

Q: Do you prefer singing or acting?

JJ Hamblett: I love both. This is a really difficult question for me. I just love performing. I have recently finished working on three films and I have always really loved acting so that was amazing and I did aspire to be an actor, but I suppose any time I’m performing I’m happy. I have stepped off of recent film sets and just said to myself, “wow this is the best thing ever” and sometimes I get off stage and feel the same, it’s just those ‘pinch me’ moments I get doing this amazing job.

Q: What is the best Christmas present you have ever received?

JJ Hamblett : Okay, so it isn’t exactly the best present, but it’s that present you appreciate as you get older… socks. Do you know what I mean? Everyone gets them and when you’re younger it’s like “oh god, a pair of socks?” But now, you know, I appreciate them. They come in handy and I have multiple pairs of socks now.

Q: If you had a fairy god mother what would your one wish be?

JJ Hamblett: My one wish would be obviously for my family and friends to live a happy healthy life, but I suppose if it was just for me it would to be able to this, sing, act and perform for the rest of my life.

Interview by Grand Young Journalist: Bethany Easton

Cinderella is presented by Martin Dodd for UK Productions whom have been presenting the Christmas pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre since 2003. Other productions presented at The Grand by UK Productions include; Legally Blonde the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, The Kite Runner, 42^nd Street, South Pacific, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Anything Goes.

Cinderella plays at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 5 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018 starring Union J’s JJ Hamblett (The X Factor) as the dashing Prince Charming; BBC Radio Lancashire presenter and madcap comic Steve Royle as Buttons; celebrated stage and TV star Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey) as Fairy Godmother; popular children’s presenter Olivia Birchenough (Milkshake!) as Cinderella and hilarious double act Jamie Morris & Tarot Joseph as the Ugly Sisters.

Book your seats today, otherwise not even your Fairy Godmother will be able to magic you a ticket to see Blackpool’s must-see Christmas show…

Tickets are available by clicking here  or by calling the box office on 01253 290190.