Just like Peter Pan, the character he plays, David Ribi is forever young - at least in the roles he plays, writes Ruth Brindle.

The fresh-faced, handsome actor is 28, but because he doesn't look it, he seems to be cast mostly as 18-year-olds or younger.

He says: "My ambition in life is to play adults!"

But just for now he has to be content to be the forever young Peter in the glittering and spectacular production currently showing at the Alban Arena, St Albans.

David, of Camberley, Surrey, says he is really enjoying being part of this show as his co-star Jake Wood, the villian of the piece, Hook, has become a good friend and is very funny. His first experience of the panto was when he was aged five in an amateur dramatic production in which he played Michael.

His other stage appearances have included Hairspray and the Rocky Horror Show and he has also appeared in Croydon in Peter Pan with EastEnders' star Steve McFadden as Hook.

In the Evolution production he does a lot of flying, including over the audience at one point, and he says that being hoisted into the air "fun but quite painful". He had to go to 'flying school' in Wimbledon to learn the technique properly.

Also flying into view was Katrina Bryan, 35, of CBeebies’ and Nina and the Neurons' fame, who has moved from Edinburgh to St Albans for the festive season to play Tinkerbell.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

What are you looking forward to most about your role in Peter Pan?

I love the story and how magical it is and as Tinkerbell - I get to provide the magic! Well, the Fairy Dust at least! I’m also looking forward to flying in the show! I’ve done a bit before and it is physically hard but you really do feel like you’re flying and that’ll be a nice feeling to have everyday!

If you could have a wand in real life, what would you use it for? World Peace of course!! I think that would maybe take more than a wand to be honest though! At this time of year I would maybe use a wand to wrap all my Christmas presents. I love buying gifts for my loved ones but I always leave the wrapping to the last minute because I find it so boring and it takes such a long time!!

You’re pretty busy with your role as Nina on CBeebies, how will Panto compare?

I love filming Nina and its such good fun but I’m the only adult in it so when Panto comes along I love being part of a large cast! It’s like being part of a big family for six weeks and we look after each other and have as much fun as possible!

You have Christmas Day off, how will you be spending it?

Well, unfortunately my family are too far away in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland for me to get home. So I will miss my family, especially my niece and nephew. But I have good friends nearby who are gonna take me in and make sure I get my turkey! To be honest, as we only get one day off, I may l just sleep all day!

What would you like to find in your Christmas stocking?

Oh I’m not sure. Maybe airline tickets to the Caribbean to go straight after Panto finishes! Five star hotel! Yeah, that’ll do! Not too much to ask is it?! What’s been a highlight of 2015? I’ve had a fantastic 2015, lots of work and lots of lovely times too so I’m very grateful. A highlight was filming for Nina on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was in July and a gloriously hot and sunny day. We had to film before the tower opened as it would get so busy so for two hours we were the only people there which was a very special experience!

What are your plans after Panto?

Well obviously I’ll be off to the Caribbean won’t I?! Ha! But if Santa let’s me down I might just go back to Edinburgh where I live and have a lovely rest! I’ll not have seen my family and friends over Christmas so it’ll take me a few weeks to get round everyone! That’ll mean many more Christmas dinners and mince pies... So maybe a diet might be on the cards as well.