JACK RYDER prefers his gold cape to greasy overalls but he is not precious about his role as Prince Charming.

With a few days to go before Sunday's final curtain call the 23-year-old former EastEnders actor says he feels more relaxed than at the start of his 88-show run.

He said: "I feel it's going really well at the moment and I feel much easier about things than I did last month. Over Christmas things were a bit tense and the audiences were really expectant.

"Now they've had their Christmas dinners and got out of the festive mood it's allowed me to explore the role more."

Some unfavourable reviews have not shaken the young actor who admits he is in no way the finished article.

"He said: "I am not pretending there is as much pressure as being on EastEnders but I still demand my best from every performance.

"Some people have said it's only a pantomime in Canterbury. This is just as important to me as performing for millions on TV and I don't want to short change the audience.

"I am still expanding myself as a performer and this has opened up some different doors for me. What others think or say doesn't bother me."

Jack's budding confidence for live performing - he had not been on stage or sung live before - found expression earlier this month at his dad's 50th birthday party.

He said: "He had a do at a venue in the city with a live band. I got up and sung a couple of songs, something I would never have seen myself doing in a million years before."

Jack's wife, singer Kym Marsh, has seen the pantomime several times with her children David and Emily as has his sister Violet and dad, Jack Hues, a former member of the band Wang Chung.

He seems genuinely surprised about his current line of work and having grown up around musicians, Jack says he should logically have followed his dad into music.

He said: "I've been playing the guitar since I was 14 and spent time in recording studios with dad. My friends will all tell you that's what I should be doing."

He misses his wife and the children he treats as his own but says a small family unit has developed backstage as well.

"The production team and crew have been great and Dave Lee is always cracking jokes," he said. "Laughter is always a good way to relax."

Energy levels are still high despite being asked to do three shows in one day on several occasions.

Jack said: "The dancers are fantastic and they've really helped me. I do work up a bit of a sweat but also get to lord it up on my throne. That's when I take the opportunity to look around the audience.

"Children are always so excitable and love the show. Some of the adults have also got a bit wild though. That's the thing about pantomime. You never know what you're going to get from the crowd."

Although he has no immediate plans Jack will be back on our screens later this year in the ITV drama, MIT: Murder Investigation Team.

Sleeping Beauty continues at the Marlowe Theatre until Sunday, January 30.

For tickets ring the Box Office on 01227 787787.