An Interview with Billy Pearce Ahead of his 25th Bradford Panto

Yorkshire-born Billy Pearce emerged through the northern club circuit to become one of Britain’s most loved comedians. Now, Billy is returning to the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford for his 25th pantomime appearance, this time playing The Man in the Mirror. Joining Billy on stage are pop icon Sinitta as the Spirit of Pantomime and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mary DuBois as the wicked Queen Lucretia.

Graham Clark chatted to Billy ahead of his record-breaking appearance in what is one of the biggest and best pantomimes in the North…

Are you excited to be returning to the Alhambra?
I am indeed! It has been a bad year for me, as I had to have an operation on my back after finishing the last panto. I had to cancel all my bookings – the business with my back has been a life-changing experience. Looking back now, I can see that it had been affecting me for a number of years; I count my blessings, as I feel lucky to still be here.

Of all the pantomimes you have appeared in, are any particularly memorable?
I enjoy them all; it would be easier to tell you the ones that I didn’t enjoy, mostly down to personality problems with people who did not want to be there. I like to work as part of a team – when everyone is pulling in the same direction it is far easier. If you get one bad apple it can spoil things. We do two shows on some days; when you are in the theatre from noon to 10pm, you have to get on with everyone if you want things to run smoothly. One good one that stands out is the year we had a lot of circus acts in the show, and Jan Erik, who is a fantastic circus clown, taught me a lot of things. The year I had to perform ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, with the rain coming down on me, was another good one. Another year I tap-danced up one side of the stage and down the other!

Do you still enjoy appearing in the panto?
I do – though it is hard work. People pay good money to come and see the show; all the cast owe it to the audience to go out there and give it their best. Even if it is a rotten audience you have to adapt and get on with it. We have started doing the relaxed performances where there are no bright lights, fireworks or loud bangs. These shows can be hard work as you haven’t got the special effects – the edge is taken off everything. When we do the finale we can see the faces in the audience, as the house lights are left on throughout the performance; we saw all their smiling faces. I really couldn’t think of a better job than this.

Billy with his panto co-stars, Sinitta & Myra DuBois

Why do you think the Bradford panto is as successful as it is?
I think it is because it is bright, funny and very entertaining. I try to adapt, as no two audiences are the same; sometimes it can be all Girl Guides, some matinee performances might be little old ladies who keep their coats on throughout the show – it is like they are watching television and they don’t have to join in or clap! My job is to shake them up and get them going. As a comedian you have to read the room and adapt – it is an art you learn over the years.

Are you going to be singing with Sinitta in the show?
I have seen the script – all I can say is that it’s a possibility. I would like her to sing one of her big hits on her own and not have me coming on halfway through and messing things up.

Do you think you’ll be back at the Alhambra next year for your 26th panto?
Who knows? I’ve said that in show business you only retire when the phone stops ringing. I don’t want to outstay my welcome. I will know the time when I can’t do it any more – that’s the time to call it a day. I’m still here and have got the energy, so it’s business as usual again this year, I’m glad to say.

‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ runs from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026 – bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white
images: Nigel Hillier