Three of Edinburgh’'s biggest panto stars might have been performing together for more than a decade but insist they're still “"good pals".

Grant Stott, Allan Stewart and Andy Gray took time out of their rehearsal schedule to tell STV Local about their latest production, Cinderella.

The trio began their six-week Christmas stint at the King's Theatre on Saturday, and have since been drawing in the crowds for their own brand of on-stage camaraderie.

Speaking from his changing room at the Victorian theatre, Allan Stewart commented on their relationship: "We'’re a team, Grant, Andy and myself, and we just keep coming back. The only reason we can put this massive pantomime on in such a short space of time is because we'’re a team and it comes across on-stage.

"“We know what each other’s going to do, we know what each other’s going to say –- almost. And then you'’ve got all the new kids to bring the excitement.”"

This year, Stewart will reprise his role as panto dame, playing Baroness McSquirrel, a part the seasoned entertainer had no trouble adapting to.

He said: “"I'’ve been doing my 'Auntie May' character since the 1970s, so I've incorporated some of her into every dame I'’ve played.

“"And I play the dame differently from just about everybody else in the country because I play it as a woman. Most dames are men in a frock. I'’ve always played it like a real woman.”"

But co-star and the King's' resident baddie Grant Stott has had a little more difficulty adjusting to his.

The 6ft 4in Radio Forth DJ has had to learn to walk in heels for his role as Gobina McPhlegm, one of Cinderella's ugly sisters, who he plays alongside four-foot sibling Hicktoo, portrayed by Ross Marshall.

“"I'm coming to terms with the heels,"” he said. "“It's not so much my feet but my legs - I don't know how you women do it. My shins, my thighs and my bum muscles are really sore.

“"But I'm loving the challenge of being a woman in the show this year, especially being a bad woman which is great, I didn't think I'd ever get the chance but managed to make it happen this year and it's been great fun.”"

And despite having to suffer nightly boos and hisses, Stott says that being bad is the best part, adding: "“Not being a comedian or a comic the Buttons or Wishy-Washy roles wouldn't be right for me. So being the baddie has been the absolute best bit for me and I can't see myself being anything else now.”"

Over recent years, the three entertainers have become established as panto royalty at the King's, the home of Edinburgh’s annual mainstream pantomime.

Staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world's biggest pantomime producer, Cinderella was also directed by King's Theatre regular Paul Elliot, who has been at the helm of many of the theatre's successful Christmas runs.

Andy Gray, who this year takes on the loveable role of Buttons, thinks the show's success is as much about the audience as the cast.

He said: “"I love Edinburgh audiences, especially at the King's theatre, it's the most beautiful theatre to play. When they come to show they really want to enjoy it.

"“They're really important, especially to pantomimes and especially ours. They are the next character in the production. When they join in it makes all worthwhile for us.”"

The writer and actor, whose character ends up falling for Allan Stewart's Baronness McSquirrel, continued: "“The reaction we have from the audience to gags and the story itself makes it a great old night out. There's lots of laughs and lots of singing.”"

And though Cinderella conforms to panto tradition in plot, the team have made sure there are plenty of hilarious deviations.

"“We do always try and throw in extra surprises and I think we've achieved that this year. It has the traditional elements in it but also a few surprises along the way, a few songs and routines and gags which often change as the run goes on but that's all part of the magic,”" said Stott.

"We go right across the board, all age groups,"” added Stewart. “"It’'s a beautiful love story between the prince and Cinderella for those that love the magic of the theatre."”

Cinderella will run at the King's Theatre until January 22.

IN DETAIL

King's Theatre