SHANE Richie will be taking a break from playing Alfie Moon in Eastenders to delight panto audiences at the Wycombe Swan. Last time the actor was in High Wycombe's panto in 2009 he performed with his two eldest sons. This time he returns by himself and will be playing Buttons in Cinderella.

Last time Shane was at the Swan he played Aladdin in the glitzy and family friendly pantomime. He appeared to have great fun on stage with his two sons Shane Jnr and Jake, who he had from his first marriage to Coleen Nolan. He said performing with his sons was a "one off" and although they all enjoyed it they must now follow their own dreams.

He said: "They are doing wonderful things in their own rights. Shane Jnr is in pantomime at The Beck Theatre this season and Jake has been signed with his band by a major USA Label and keeps flying to the US to work in the studios."

Shane is well-known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, for which he received the TV Choice Award for Best Soap Actor 2011 and picked up the award for Best Soap at the 2012 National TV Awards. In March 2013 Shane picked up the coveted Industry ‘TRIC’ Award of Best TV Male Actor.

He has also had numerous TV roles including Fagin in Oliver Twist (BBC One).

And in theatre he has starred as Danny Zuko in the West End production of Grease, which broke all box office records, and in Boogie Nights which he co-wrote and co-produced in the West End and on a national UK theatre tour. But for now he is back playing Alfie in Eastenders, which he will take a break from to star in panto.

He said he gets on brilliantly with co-star Jessie Wallace who plays Kat Slater, as he does with all of the soap's cast. So does he actually get much time off?

The 49-year-old said: "If I’m doing a pantomime a short family holiday in the summer, and then only scattered days in between filming."

With so much to do I wondered how he manages to keep his energy levels up during panto. They have two performances a day from December 7 until January 5, with five days off over that period. On three Satrudays during that time they the cast have three performances.

Shane said: "Funnily enough pantomime really is hard work. With two shows a day you have to be very careful - if the old flu or cold bug comes knocking, it can knock you for six.

"No performer likes to be in the position where they could miss a performance so we all have lots of cold and flu remedies knocking about the dressing rooms. But my main adrenaline rush is when I hear the audience in the theatre just before the show starts. It’s always magical."

There will be spectacular special effects including 3D during the festive pantomime.

David Robbins and Matt Ramsdin are playing the ugly sisters, Sean Needham the Prince, Duncan Leighton is taking on the role of Dandini, Carly Day is playing Cinderella and Penni Tovey the Fairy Godmother.

Students from the Jackie Palmer Stage School will be in the ensemble. Shane describes his character of Buttons as a ‘Jack The Lad’ who is always looking at the positive side of life. But does he like the costumes?

He said: "I love them especially Qdos’ wardrobe as they really have beautiful costumes and put a lot of time into getting it right for the production."

And he said he puts as much effort into every one of the 53 performances because people have paid to see it.

So what is it he loves about panto? "The party/family feeling. The fun and laughter from the audience. Plus it’s normally the first time some of the younger children have been to a theatre, so pantomime is a fantastic first Theatre experience."

Shane is married to Christie, with whom he has a son and two daughters. He said they always come to see him perform, especially during their Christmas holidays.

He added the best Christmas present he has ever received is his wife and family. And what will he be doing on one of his days off, Christmas Day? "Watching my children opening their presents followed by all my family around a huge table for Christmas dinner."

Cinderella is at the Wycombe Swan from December 7 to January 5 at various times. Tickets start at £19. To book call 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk

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