BEING compared to one of Disney’s most magical princesses makes Nisha Anil reveal her modest side as she makes her panto debut in Blackburn.

With her long dark hair, brown eyes and Asian heritage, it seems that she is well cast as Jasmine in this year’s production of Aladdin at the Thwaites Empire Theatre.

The CBeebies presenter is a familiar face to pre-school children and has also had great success as an actress and film producer. This year, after a successful audition, she is working for Pendle Productions.

“It is really exciting for me this year because it’s my first-ever live panto,” she said.

“I have performed on Justin’s House before, which is aired on CBeebies, and that is basically as close to performing to a young audience as you’ll get,” said Nisha, referring to the programme which is a televised version of panto. With the energetic pace, Nisha said she hasn’t got much time to rest.

“Performers just have to have the energy for panto,” she said.

“It is something that every performer should do and it’s an important job. I have enough energy and I really enjoy performing,” she said. As well as being a children’s television presenter Nisha is an actress, dancer, arts manager, theatre/short film-maker and facilitator.

She is also a singer in The Herberts, a Reading-based band covering a variety of styles including jazz, folk, soul, blues, ska and anything else. Also trained in Bunraku style-puppetry, Nisha has toured as a one-person puppet show Discovering the Ramayanawhile delivering drama and puppet workshops to schools.

Her enthusiasm to bring the arts to children is refreshing.

“It’s equally as important that children experience theatre, even if it’s just at school,” she said.

“I believe that children should be given the chance to see that there’s something out there that is fun containing music, singing and dance.

“Panto is usually a child’s first experience of theatre and it’s important.”

Nisha impressed Pendle Productions’ director, Timothy Lince and says she loves the panto script and this year the Thwaites audience are in for some festive fun and surprises.

“You will love the panto, it’s traditional with interesting elements.

“There is lots of great singing and interaction with lots of colour and glitter and a spectacular magic carpet — just how pantomime should be.”

n Aladdin, Thwaites Empire Theatre, until Saturday January 4. Box office: 01254 685500.