Chris Pizzey talks about Peter Pan at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells

C hris Pizzey is used to over-excited children screaming in front of him. A regular face on children's TV, he is often recognised for his longstanding role in the modern version of Basil Brush and for an unusual Bollywood-style show called Planet Ajay, which is proving to be very popular among youngsters.

That experience, coupled with the fact that he's a veteran of pantomime already, should prepare him for an energetic three-week run in Peter Pan at the Assembly Hall this Christmas.

Starring alongside Home And Away's Ray Meaghre as Captain Hook and local girl Jessica Punch as Peter Pan, Chris will play Hook's sidekick Smee.

Chris spoke to Go! ahead of the panto.

Kids will know you from The Basil Brush Show and more recently from Planet Ajay – is it strange being famous among children?

"I had so much fun making both Basil Brush and Planet Ajay and the fact that kids recognise me from those shows makes me all the happier. Also we made the first series of Basil Brush way back in 2002 so now I am finding that some of the fans from the first series that would have been eleven are now eighteen!

"I'm getting used to hearing deeper voices shouting 'Hello Mr Stephen', as well as the kids."

Do you get asked for your autograph often?

"Yes, it does happen a lot. One of the stranger times was when I was playing Sunday league football a couple of years ago. The other team had this big angry defender who was shouting lots and kicking lumps out of anyone who came near him. He was marking me when my team had a free kick.

"As the ref blew the whistle to shoot he looked at me and said: 'Oh my god, your Basil's mate Mr Stephen aren't you? Can I have a photo for my two boys?' We scored while he wasn't looking!"

Have you done panto before?

"Yes, I have been in many pantos and played many different parts from Prince Charming and Dick Whittington to Silly Billy and Sleepy Jack. This will be the first time I have appeared in Peter Pan and I'm definitely looking forward to playing the part of Smee.

"I think pantomime is very special and has to be approached the right way. Too many people think panto is just about the gags and not the story but for me It's all about the story. Of course you must have a fair share of jokes but I believe if you lose sight of the story you will lose the audience. "For many children, panto is the first experience they will have of watching a live show in a theatre so you have a responsibility to get it right."

The panto goes on for three weeks – how do you prepare for such a long run?

"I wouldn't say three weeks is a long run when you look at the shows that run for years in the West End! On the other hand the run is very intense. Every day we perform two shows and in each of those shows we are all full out dancing, singing and (as is the case with the character of Smee) keeping the audience pumped up and making sure they are having fun.

"I always joke that pantomime is my yearly diet. I can eat what I want and I will still lose weight!

"Seriously though, you have to give so much energy to each performance that you have to stay healthy. I make sure I eat high-energy foods and get my sleep. I also keep a supply of honey and lemon in my dressing room to keep flu at bay."

How do you feel about acting alongside Ray Meaghre, the legendary Alf from Home And Away?

"I am really looking forward to working with Ray. I remember sitting on the sofa in my school uniform watching him many times. I've heard that he is really good fun to work with so I am looking forward to swapping ideas for the show."

You're a serious actor too – what's next for you?

"Well, I have lots of projects in various stages of development at the moment. I filmed the lead role in a European feature film last year called Requiem For Tomorrow. It's an action adventure movie we filmed in Germany. It's scheduled for release at the big festivals in 2010 so we will have to wait and see how it is received.

"Another film I played the lead in last year is called GRIP, which is a slice of life British road movie. That is in postproduction in London as we speak and will hopefully gain a UK release next summer.

"On the television front Planet Ajay seems good to go for the second series, which we will be filming in spring 2010. On top of that, there are a couple of untitled projects which I am writing as we speak for children's TV.

"So the future is looking bright!"

Assembly Hall December 12 to January 3 Phone 01892 530613 or book online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk