Daniel was raised in Rhosllannerchrugog and trained at East 15 Acting School, London. As Theatr Clwyd’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Robin Hood continues its run, we catch 5 minutes with actor and Associate Director, Daniel Lloyd. This will be Daniel’s 16^th Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto as well as performing and directing in other projects. We sat down with him to find out more about this year show:

You’ve worked with Theatr Clwyd for many years now, do you have a favourite memory?

Far too many to mention! The pantos have played such a huge part in my adult life and I think my first night as Dick in 2005 is amongst my favourite memories. The buzz from that night has kept me coming back time and time again and I’m still chasing that high. On a par with that has to be Tamara Harvey’s show-saving turn as Alice Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington. An injured cast member meant that Tamara had to enter with script in hand and no rehearsal. Unforgettable chaos - we all went crazy for it, witnessing a moment we never ever thought we’d see.

Theatr Clwyd has been so dear to me over the years and I feel so privileged to have worked there as often as I have. It has been key to my development as an artist and a person. Its next chapter with the redevelopment will bring much opportunity and growth for so many more - the area, other artists, theatre makers and audiences. What an exciting time for Theatr Clwyd’s future…I can’t wait to be a part of it.

In this year’s panto you play Little John, without giving too much away do you have a favourite part of the show?

So many fun moments in this year’s show. I’m enjoying all the comedy from my fellow cast mates, in particular a scene that involves a spittoon and a terrific cameo from King Gruff at the end of the show which may just steal it. The fight training has been a real physical challenge - I nearly broke my nose. Also, my costume is a cracker this year!

Acting has not been your only role this year, you have also been an Associate Director. What does that involve?

Whilst Tamara was opening The Famous Five at Chichester, I was in the director’s chair for the first couple of weeks rehearsal. This meant I was able to play with ideas of my own and have a crack at directing the panto. I genuinely love the craft of it, and I feel like a kid in a sweetshop getting to try out lots of ideas - years of gags, skits and panto tricks that I’ve been dying to unleash and Tamara has been very generous and trusting in allowing me to have a voice in the room throughout. She has given me the freedom to have a say creatively and grow as a director. I’m so grateful for it - the show has such a rich range of storytelling, warmth, fun and of course great music.

You have many strings to your bow being an extremely talented actor, director, musician, and producer. Do you have a favourite role?

I’m greedy and love the variety of all my jobs. But I can’t deny that that the director chair is where I feel the most satisfied creatively. I want to do it all!

And finally, what would you say to people who haven’t bought their tickets yet?

Do it now. After the few years we’ve all had we need cheering up and boy does this show deliver. You’d have to go a long way to find a better panto… the story, the music, the performances and the production is top notch and is not one to miss!

Robin Hood will be performed at Theatr Clwyd until 14 January 2023. Booking is available here.