Retail business owner Peter Knowles, a driving force behind Hamptons, is joining this year's cast of Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society's (PODS) spectacular pantomime, The Snow Queen which opens this Wednesday (30 November), at The Paget Rooms.

With a cast of 52 plus a 20 strong production and back stage crew, it will be the biggest and most lavish panto that PODS has staged in its almost 100 year history.

The enchanting tale, based on the original story by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, follows Gerda and her grandmother, Granny Dumplings, on a magical quest to rescue her best friend Kai who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen.

"I've been a long-term supporter of PODS" said Peter, about his role in the panto.

The owner of the prestigous Penarth and Cowbridge retail business added: "Initially that was as an audience member and more recently helping front of house and back stage. But taking part on stage had never been something that I'd thought of doing – it's way outside of my comfort zone!"

But not anymore apparently.

"As a teenager I was in all the school musical productions and went on to join my local amateur dramatic society in Devon where I grew up" he added. "But that was 43 years ago, so not having sung in public, or anywhere else for that matter – not even in the shower, in all that time makes this a huge and quite scary personal challenge."

It was Peter's husband and business partner, BAFTA winner Andy Bradshaw who suggested that Peter should audition for a part in this year's panto. Andy has written The Snow Queen especially for PODS and is also directing it. "When Andy said that I should audition for a part instead of hiding away backstage like I normally do, my initial reaction was one of hysterical laughter and that even wild horses couldn't get me up on stage. So I think I must have been drugged and brainwashed into doing it because here I am!"

Where else can you expect to see a wicked queen – lots of booing - a villainous henchman with mini versions of himself – more booing – a hero and a heroine – cheering - a dame with a digestive problem - cue farting - a good fairy who floats on and off, an enchanted talking mirror, singing sunflowers, crazy garden ladies, tap dancing crows, revolting trolls, yetis, a crowd of scurvy robbers, a talking reindeer and an ice dragon all combined with sequins, amazing songs and hilarious laughter?

It can of course only be a pantomime. The Snow Queen has all this and more in what promises to be a perfect outing for all the family.

The magical set.

While juggling the running of three shops – Hamptons and Shore in Penarth and West Hampton in Cowbridge in the lead up to their busiest time of the year, Peter is taking the role of the Robber King, leader of a scurvy band of not-so-scary robbers who help Gerda and Granny on their way to rescue Kai from the icy grasp of the Snow Queen.

"Underneath his malicious and menacing sneer, the Robber King actually has a heart of gold and he and the other robbers help Gerda and Granny Dumplings on their way to the Snow Queen's Ice Palace to rescue Kai" said Peter of his role. He and his fellow robbers also perform a rousing and hilarious version of "I've Got a Dream" from the Disney movie Tangled.

Peter's family were always his biggest fans when he was performing in musical productions at school. "I lost both my parents very suddenly a few years ago. When I was at school they would always be in the front row on the first night, cheering me on. And if they had still been with us I know that they would be in the front row at the Paget Rooms on Wednesday, cheering as they always did."

"I've absolutely loved every minute so far" said Peter "and this is before the show even opens and we get to perform on stage with professional musicians, expert lighting and sound and an audience. Everyone involved has been truly amazing and I can't believe that's it's taken me over forty years to rediscover the thing that I previously loved so much."

The Snow Queen is on the Paget Rooms from Wednesday, 30 November to Sunday, 4 December with a mix of evening and matinee performances. Some performances are already sold out so PODS are advising people who would like to see the panto to book quickly for the seats that are still available. Tickets can be booked on-line www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods