Can you tell us a little bit about what you have all been up to recently?

Henry Winkler: I thrive on being busy – and I am! I was just at the unveiling of a wonderful bronze statue of "The Fonz" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my family, though I was a little dismayed that the statue was taller than I was.

Just before that fabulous honour, I was on Cape Cod in Massachusetts where I conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra.

When I'm not travelling and speaking about the fifteen Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever children's novels that I have written with Lin Oliver, I am recording a new animated series for the Fox TV channel called Sit Down / Shut Up which is written and produced by Mitch Hurwitz who just finished Arrested Development.

As we speak I'm currently on my way to Vancouver to make a Christmas movie for American television.

Louisa Lytton: I am in my second year on The Bill and also rehearsing with my Strictly Come Dancing partner Vincent (Simone] for the Eurovision Dance Contest where we are representing Great Britain.

Andy Ford: This year I have been busier than a botox supplier in Hollywood. Throughout the summer I have been performing on some of the world's biggest cruise ships with my stand-up comedy show.

Also I've been writing my comedy detective stories and recording them for radio, and somehow I managed to fit in my first straight acting role in a short film called Loss, which I really enjoyed as it was a new challenge for me.

I've also been recording more Peddlin' Poetry episodes which I believe are getting plenty of hits on YouTube.

Two CD's of my own songs were released this summer as well as CDs of the songs and stories of Ollie the Otter, a character that I created in the 80's.

This year my official website www.andyford.biz was launched, how exciting.Now the whole world can see whatever it is I do. Apart from that I've been shopping and watching the telly.

What is it that you love about the pantomime tradition compared to performing for TV or film?

HW: Pantomime - there is nothing like it. It is exhilarating, musical, funny, and filled with audience participation. Those are just some of the elements that inspire me when I come to England to do Peter Pan.

The electricity that is created between the audience and the performers on the stage is unequal in either television or movies.

I am also knocked out by the fact that Pantomime has been an ongoing tradition in England since 1607, and it is an honour, as an American, to have been asked to be part of that theatrical heritage.

LL: It's just so great to be in front of a live audience playing such an iconic role as Peter Pan. I can't wait to see all the kids' faces and hear them laugh.

AF: Where do I start? Panto is just the best family entertainment on the planet. Where else can you go with all of the different generations in your family and enjoy the same show?

There are magical stories with a good moral, great music, fabulous dance routines and hysterical comedy (without a swear word in sight); perfect for everyone… when it's done properly.

I love TV as well, particularly the shows with a live studio audience, but with panto you know what the crowd think instantly, and their reaction is what helps to motivate you to do even more.

It's a two-way thing in panto, the more they give us the more we give back and visa versa. Anyone that condemns this British institution is either blinkered or hasn't seen it done well.

Pantomime is traditional and fresh at the same time, it brings together performers from many different genres and the panto feel-good factor gets passed from generation to generation.


What makes a good pantomime audience?

AF: People. All types, all ages, as long as they are there for a good time.

LL: There's nothing better than when an audience enters into the spirit and they cheer, hiss and boo.

HW: I am always so impressed that the audience knows their part so well. Their willingness to be part of all the yelling back and forth, and at the same time allowing the story to stay intact. I don't know if an American audience would be as talented.

Is panto just for children?

AF: Yes - children aged three to 93.

LL: Grown ups are big kids at heart anyway.

HW: Panto is for the entire family. I now know that to be true. From grandparents to 3 year-olds, the enthusiasm that comes to us on stage is unparalleled. As I walk to dinner after a matinee, I can see the people streaming out of the theatre with unbelievable smiles on their faces - there is no greater compliment.

Audiences love coming to see their favourite stars in panto, do you ever find yourself getting star-struck?

LL: Well, I couldn't say no when I heard the wonderful Henry Winkler was going to play Captain Hook. Oh my God - it's The Fonz.

AF: Well I have to say working with the legend that is Henry Winkler probably surpasses most things that I have done in my career, but what I have discovered over the years is that the bigger the star, the nicer the person. You don't get anywhere in this business if you don't get on with people and of course that's always true in life, as my old mum used to say to me, "Be strong but be nice."
Peter Pan runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from December 5 to January 18. For tickets call the box office on 0870 060 6652 or visit http://www.theambassadors.com/miltonkeynes/