There’s a backstage buzz like never before at the Oxford Playhouse, writes KATHERINE MacALISTER, as the finishing touches are applied to this year’s pantomime Mother Goose. And as few of us know the storyline or can even imagine the characters, give or take the odd bird, the cast promises a whole host of surprises. None more than Wilomeena The Wicked Witch of Walberswick and Gertrude The Good Fairy of Garsington, whose on-stage clashes make Kelly and Tulisa pale into insignificance.

THE GOODIE: The Good Fairy, aka Jessie J, is just applying her final coat of gold lipstick and doing up her corset when we meet.

Her satin dress comes complete with a hoodie and her boots mean business. Yes, this Good Fairy has got attitude, and judging by the competition, she’s gonna need it.

So how far do the good and bad fairies go?

“We have a sing-off and a dance-off,” Zabrina Norry reveals, “but as I’m a feisty good fairy with a bit of an edge I can hold my own.

“Put it this way, I’m not a goody-goody and that makes it more fun.

“But even though we look like we hate each other on stage, we get on really well off stage.”

And having just finished a long West End run in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert with Jason Donovan, the 27 year-old is delighted to be back home for Christmas.

Born and bred in Bicester, Zabrina was at The Cooper School when she landed her first West End role in Whistle Down The Wind and has been in musical theatre ever since.

“But my family still live here and they’ll all be coming to the show,” she says.

So is panto a step down for her?

“No!” she says in horror. “You can do a weekday matinee in the West End for 200 people but here every time the curtain goes up there’s a full theatre of little faces and a wall of expectation which raises your game every day.

“The audience is 50 per cent of the show.

“It’s a bit like stand-up really. You have to expect the unexpected and be on the ball because it’s such a riot and so much fun.

“There is so much going on and such a fast pace that I just can’t wait to get started now and give it some welly.”

And will Jason be there?

“Well he has a house down here in the shire so I’m hoping he’ll find the time to come along with his family,” she giggles. “But the first night is nerve-wracking enough so I don’t let my friends or family come along.”

THE BADDIE: Wilomeena The Wicked Witch of Walberswick has got Christmas all planned... off-stage that is.

On-stage she’s a despicable old hag, but off stage she’s preparing a Secret Santa, advent calendar and truffle-making workshop for the cast.

Hailing from Edinburgh, Ashleigh Gray won’t be able to get to Scotland this year for Christmas but is delighted to be celebrating in Oxford instead by playing what she considers the best part in the Playhouse panto – the baddie.

“Yes, I’m the bad influence who offers Mother Goose eternal youth. But when she succumbs, she changes and loses the respect of her family and her best friend, and it corrupts her morally.

“So the message is all about the grass not always being greener and why it’s good not always getting what you want.”

And with musicals such as Taboo, Grease and more recently three years as the Wicked Witch in Wicked! Ashleigh’s the right girl for the job.

“Pantomime is a rite of passage for an actor and its great to be part of such an independent production where people come to see the collaboration of the actors, not someone from EastEnders.

“So it’s going to be a real spectacle because it’s a great story that touches you. And because the story of Mother Goose isn’t well known you can put your own stamp on it.

“With Snow White and Cinderella you know where you’re going, but I’m excited this time the audience won’t know what to expect.

“The only thing I’m worried about is all the booing.

“I know I’ve been the Wicked Witch before, but in Wicked she’s not bad, just misguided and in panto everyone really goes for it when you’re the baddie,” Ashleigh says looking slightly worried.”

And then the 29 year-old smiles: “But that’s what happens when you are evil personified. And I can’t wait.”

* Mother Goose, written and directed by Peter Duncan, runs at the Oxford Playhouse from tomorrow until January 15. Call 01865 305305. And look out for the December 15 edition of The Guide featuring a great Mother Goose competition