Stephen's pantomime performance is magic

2:22pm Wednesday 4th January 2006

There's a certain magic about Stephen Mulhern; a mesmerising quality about his sparkling blue eyes that made me instantly like this charming young entertainer.

I interrupted his rehearsals of the clapping section; from Cinderella.

But he has no problem with taking a break from concentrating on this tricky routine and making time for a chat over a nice cuppa in the venue's restaurant.

Stephen is firmly established as one of the top children's entertainers in the UK.

He is enormously popular with youngsters and is best known for his smash hit television shows Fingertips, the Bafta award-winning Quick Trick Show and ITV's Saturday morning Ministry of Mayhem. He has also presented prime- time Animals Do The Funniest Things.

As well as television Stephen is an experienced stage performer having appeared in numerous theatre productions including Grease where he played Danny Zucco, and of course he is no stranger to pantomime.

He has also toured with his own stage show called Stephen's Mega Mad Magic Show. This was a tour of 78 dates performing to more than 250,000 people.

But at the moment all his attention is fully focused on the role of Buttons in Cinderella at Croydon's Fairfield Halls that also stars Carly Hillman in the title role. This pantomime is one that has really pushed the right buttons, pardon the pun, for Stephen as one of the executive co-producers is Richard Cadell who was Sooty's right hand man in the late 90s and the emphasis is on magic and illusion.

"This show really has got the thrill factor," says Stephen. "I am really, really excited about it.

"In my view Richard Cadell is by far the best illusionist in the country and to have him directing this pantomime has given it a real magical theme.

"Cinderella changes from her rags to fabulous ball gown in a matter of seconds, it's amazing. You've got to see it to believe it. It all happens on stage in front of your eyes. The coach and horses are terrific too, you'll love it," he assures me.

Stephen won't reveal too much about the illusions and magic moments, as it would spoil the surprises. But he is full of admiration for Danny La Rue, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.

"I was watching him as he arrived for rehearsals, he looks like an ordinary, well dressed old gentleman, and yet the minute he steps foot on stage he is this fantastic, glamorous character.

"It's an amazing experience to work with him," he says.

Does Stephen like playing Buttons?

"I do, he is such a mixed character of fun and pathos. The script is really full of tear jerking lines and everyone wants Cinders to love Buttons. But as you know, they are only ever destined to be good friends, so I get the big sympathy vote. I love it!" he laughs.

Having just moved to Brighton, Croydon is quite convenient for Stephen to commute to.

He says: "I like Croydon; I remember it from a few years ago. I was Buttons at the Ashcroft in 2002 I think."

Stephen will be on our TV screens again in the second series of Freaky. This is a programme for Channel 4 that he says, "moves magic on even further than David Blaine took it."

He is also writing a one-man stage show to go on tour with too.

Buttons is a very busy boy, so it's just as well Cinderella falls in love with the prince!

- Cinderella
Fairfield Halls, Croydon
Until January 8
020 8688 9291
www.fairfield.co.uk