Britain’s Got Talent 2022 finalist Ben Nickless spoke to MM about his pantomime return as Buttons in Cinderella – this Christmas at the Manchester Opera House .
Nickless, 43, reprises Buttons for the second time, in a comedic spin on the classic fairytale.
The servant character is best known as Cinderella’s best friend and love interest.
The Lancastrian said he had no doubts Buttons was the best part for a comedian to play.
He said: ‘‘There’s a bit of pathos and heart in the story which normally in my role is just about having a laugh.”
Nickless described the balance of silly scenes, slapstick, and hidden jokes for parents needed for the pantomime’s success.
He said: “As long as the audience feel a part of it, I think that’s the key.
“Don’t expect to sit in the front row and not be talked to or get involved.”
Cinderella’s wittiness is due to its unpredictability – with no two shows running the same.
Nickless said: “The freshness in the show means you don’t know what will happen.”
The comic explained the difficulty of treading the line between adult gags and child appropriate humour – with children being more knowledgeable than ever.
He said: “Attention span of kids these days isn’t the same with phones and social media.
“We try keep it that there is something constant for the kids.”
The seasoned panto performer explained how excited he was to be reprising his role as ‘Buttons’.
He said: “The Manchester crowds are just amazing.
“I’ve done 20 years of panto and everywhere in the country – and here we just love panto.”
The “Fairy Godmother of All Pantos” will be returning to the Manchester Opera House this festive period – from December 14 until January 5.
Tickets for the pantomime can be found here.
Featured Image: Hannah Ahmed
