The BBC Radio Merseyside breakfast show host spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview about his role in the Cinderella pantomime at the Epstein Theatre
Kevin Duala and Leanne Campbell are starring in the pantomime at the Epstein Theatre this Christmas(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Kevin Duala admitted it’s daunting as he prepares to return to the stage for the first time in years. The 61-year-old is renowned as the voice of BBC Radio Merseyside’s breakfast show and a presenter on The One Show.
However, the Scouser’s festive season is set to be extra busy as he will also be starring in the Cinderella pantomime at the Epstein Theatre. The broadcaster will play Buttons in the show from December 5 – January 6 2026 and he told the ECHO he is thrilled to be part of the first pantomime at the famous Hanover Street venue since it reopened this year.
He said: “When they asked me to do the panto, I thought I’ve got to do it. I wanted to make it work because the Epstein is so iconic and I wanted to be part of the opening of it again.”
He added: “It’s a little bit daunting actually because I forgot how close the audience is to the stage, so I better be good.” Kevin is continuing his BBC duties as usual during this period and he laughed at how he is going to fit it all in.
He said: “This is a question I’ve been asking myself and my editor at Merseyside has been asking me. It’s 6 – 10 every morning. And then I’m going to have to put my Buttons costume on, dash the 100 yards from my Brekkie seat and get on the stage there.
“There will probably be some mornings in work when I’ve got to go in with my costume on. There’s a vision for the Merseyside listeners. I’ll probably be sitting in the chair with my Buttons costume on, but it’ll all be good fun.”
Kevin took over the BBC Radio Merseyside’s breakfast programme last year and said it’s an honour to be part of people’s daily routine. He said: “I do the One Show and have done for the past 10 years so radio is new to me.
“But when I got the opportunity to cover for people and then they offered me the job, I thought it’s phenomenal and I’m really proud to wake up the best city in the world.”
Kevin is a proud Liverpudlian and he spoke about how his upbringing in the city has shaped him into the person he is today. He added: “I’ve just done an interview with Jimmy Tarbuck because he’s got his autobiography out and I asked him a similar question. It’s the same answer and it’s being humble, down to earth and genuine.
“As you know with Scousers, you can’t pull the wool over our eyes. If you get things wrong, just be open and honest about it.
“That’s what I love about being in Liverpool and coming from Liverpool, it’s just being open and honest, being humble and being grounded.”
This is why he is particularly looking forward to performing in front of a Liverpool crowd over Christmas as he knows he’ll get an honest reaction from the audience. He said: “Liverpool crowds are good, honest and open so I can’t wait. The good thing is you can just have a giggle.
“If they don’t like it, they’ll tell you. There’s no hiding from that. If I see any tomatoes coming my way I’ve got my Buttons shield.”
Although it’s been many years since he last performed in a theatre show, Kevin is no stranger to the world of acting as he shot to stardom as part of classic children’s programme Blues Clues. The presenter reflected on the enduring success of that show as he revealed people still stop him in the street to chat about how it shaped their childhood.
He said: “It’s a big honour when someone lets their children watch you and spend that time with you. I’m so proud of that programme because of the content and because of the educational side of things. And because of the way it’s helped people develop.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world and I’m glad the legacy still stands to this day.” Kevin stars alongside former Coronation Street star, Katie McGlynn, and Scouse broadcaster, Leanne Campbell, in the pantomime this Christmas.
The actor can’t wait to get back on stage and is looking forward to his jam-packed festive period before he enjoys a well deserved rest on Christmas Day to indulge in some family traditions.
He said: “We’ve got to watch The Holiday and have the biggest roast dinner ever. If my gravy is not pouring over the side of my plate, then it goes back. I’m not happy. When you get older and your kids get older, it’s just about the time and appreciating the time with family.”
The Cinderella pantomime is on at the Epstein Theatre from December 5 – January 4, 2026. You can find details on how to get tickets here