There’s nothing that says a British Christmas quite like going to a pantomime – and Bradley Mac is about to discover this in a big way in Tinsel Town.

A world-famous action hero, Bradley thinks he’s heading to England to make his West End debut. Instead, he finds himself at the Theatre Royal in Stoneford, a quiet northern town filled with some unique and quirky characters.

Given the role of Buttons, Bradley would rather be anywhere than here. But soon the magic of Christmas and the charm of Stoneford begins to work its magic on this Hollywood star’s heart.

Here are the key people you need to know, and who plays them.

Played by: Kiefer Sutherland (24, The Lost Boys)

Bradley Mac is the Hollywood action hero star of film franchise, Killing Time. He also has the ego to match it. Growing accustomed to a certain way of life, Brad is naturally a selfish person – with his needs going above anyone else, even his daughter, Emma, who lives in England with his ex-wife. He doesn’t remember people’s names, he doesn’t do his own stunts, and if he could get away with not doing his own lines, he’d probably do that as well.

However, when Killing Time is er… killed off after seven instalments, Brad is left at a loose end. Demanding something else from his agent, he’s convinced to try out theatre – specifically in England. Seeing it as his shot at being taken seriously as an actor, he jets across the pond. So imagine his surprise when he discovers he’s not on the West End, he’s at a tiny theatre in the rural town of Stoneford.

Played by: Rebel Wilson (The Hustle, Pitch Perfect)

Jill is the choreographer for this year’s production of Cinderella at Stoneford’s Theatre Royal – and takes her job extremely seriously. When it comes to getting the show on the road, she is as no-nonsense as they come.

Outside of work hours though, Jill is a friendly single mother who is dealing with a break-up with Kieran, who wants their daughter Cara to spend Christmas with him – and is willing to play dirty to get what he wants.

Played by: Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, Two Weeks to Live)

Nigel is the friendly and well-meaning everyman of Stoneford – meaning he does literally everything. Need a chauffeur? Nigel’s got you covered. Somewhere to stay? Nigel runs the local hotel. Anything else? Well, you can ask him between shifts at the local pub and local café. Nigel is the kind of guy who’s hard not to like and is just as much of a grafter in his friendships as he is in his work ethic.

Played by: Derek Jacobi (Gladiator II, Vicious)

Albert is a Theatre Royal veteran – having spent years playing the panto dame. With his spotty frock now hung up, he continues to help the pantomime every year in whatever way they see fit.

Friendly and welcoming, he’s willing to put aside Brad’s ‘eccentricities’ for the show to go on – and maybe even show Bradley that there’s more Christmas magic to Stoneford than he thinks there is.

Played by: Meera Syal (The Wheel of Time, The Devil’s Hour)

Cassandra is the director of this year’s pantomime and has made sure there’s an iron-clad contract in place for all her cast to ensure they’re not going anywhere ahead of opening night. This is particularly bad news for Brad, who wants out as soon as he steps through the door. However, she’s also a particularly handy friend to have on your side when you’re in a pinch.

Played by: Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris, Snatch)

Calum is a long-standing member of Stoneford’s drama society and has landed the role of Prince Charming in this year’s panto.

This is particularly handy for him, seeing as he’s been harbouring a long-standing crush on Izzy, who plays his Cinderella.

If only he can get himself together for them to get together for real…

Played by: Savannah Lee Smith (Cruel Intentions, Gossip Girl)

Izzy is this year’s leading lady – the titular Cinderella who Brad’s Buttons needs to fawn over. It’s easily done, considering she’s so nice and so pretty, but she’s young enough to be Brad’s daughter – something that doesn’t pass anyone in the cast by. Thank God it’s panto, where those kind of things don’t matter.

Izzy’s eyes are solely on her Prince Charming on and off the stage. Her Christmas wish this year? To finally get her happy ending with her long-held love to finally declare his feelings.

Played by: Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch) and Jason Manford (Waterloo Road, Scarborough)

Danny and David are this year’s panto dames, playing Cinderella’s two ugly stepsisters. The pair are also pranksters behind the scenes too, fully embracing the art of pantomime in everything they do. For Stoneford, they’re the ultimate double act.

That doesn’t mean they don’t have a heart though, and when it comes to the ensemble, Danny and David are the ultimate warriors and will do anything to support them.

Played by: Danny Dyer (Rivals, Mr Bigstuff)

Kieran is a shady figure in the town of Stoneford, with many assuming he is a wrong’un, and find it hard to compute why Jill was ever with him.

Despite his reputation, there’s no doubt that he absolutely dotes on his young daughter, Cara, whom he shares with Jill, and wants to make sure Christmas is special for her.