Abseiling from a shopping precinct in full Peter Pan outfit, or talking to puppets is “another day in the office” for actress Sarah Jane Honeywell who, for the past six years, has been a stalwart of many a Qdos pantomime production.

“I’m not sure what publicity stunt I will be doing this year, but there’s been talk of some action with a net and a pair of Heelies,” giggles the CBeebies personality who will be performing in this year’s Alban Arena pantomime as the title role in The Little Mermaid.

“They’ll be all sorts of antics going on stage – I fall in love, defy my father, get conned by the sea witches and... mess about and have lots and lots of fun,” squeaks Sarah Jane, who took time out from her busy schedule filming for a new sports programme for pre-school children, to talk to the St Albans Review.

“My job is quite physical,” says the former contortionist. “So I have to stay fit, either by doing a gymnastic or yoga class. But I’ve always been naturally bendy,“ giggles Sarah Jane.

This much-loved children’s personality is as bubbly off-screen as she is in front of the cameras. “I’m so lucky in the job that I do. There’s nothing serious about children’s television other than keeping kids entertained and giving them joy, and this pantomime is full of joy for all the family. There’s the mermaid for the little girls, the pirates for the boys, and there’s plenty of slapstick comedy for the parents and swashbuckling capers for everyone.”

Qdos productions is well known for putting on pantomime shows with a twist and The Little Mermaid has Cecil, The 3D Seahorse.

“It’s bringing the pantomime into this millennium,” enthuses the 35-year-old actress. “At certain points in the show we invite the audience to put on special 3D glasses and then we take them on an adventure under the sea. It’s a really fun cartoon which has sharks and fishes leaping out and swimming in the audience. It’s just going to make the whole show so special.”

It’s also going to be special for Sarah Jane, as this year she will be performing on stage with her partner, Kim Kirby. “He’s the blue beard one of the silly pirates. I’m not sure how he’s going to react when I kiss my pantomime lover Horatio,” giggles Sarah Jane.

The Little Mermaid, Alban Arena, from Saturday, December 12 until Sunday, January 3. Tickets: telephone, 01727 844488 or book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk