Are we the two kings of panto? Oh, yes we are!

Byline: VICKY ANDERSON

"IT'S behind you" is the typical panto line - but two Liverpool pals are only looking forward to their next Christmas show.

Friends Kevin Brown and Darren Paine have turned their passion for panto into a going concern.

Both aged 20, it is thought they could be the youngest panto producers in the UK.

After a few years of staging community shows in north Liverpool, they have landed their first professional contract - and the future's looking bright.

Kevin said: "We set up a small, community-based company in 2007 and did panto projects in Netherley and Kirkby, always on a voluntary basis. And it really took off.

"This Christmas we've managed to win our first professional contract."

Their company, Trio Entertainment, has been taken on by Stage Right Productions to run this year's panto Peter Pan at the Deco Theatre in Northampton, starring Liverpool actor Danny McCall, former Hollyoaks star Christina Bailey and The Bill actress Louisa Lytton.

So far, Darren and Kevin have worked from their homes in Huyton and Kirkby, but will move over to Northampton in November to be on hand for rehearsals.

The show opens on December 7. Kevin said:"It's something we always wanted to do.

"Panto is so much fun and we enjoy it because it can be different every show.

"This year, we thought we'd try applying to do something professional and we've been so lucky to get the chance to work alongside Stage Right and have get this experience."

The pair went to Liverpool Community College and studied technical theatre, and have done work experience at city venues including the Empire and Neptune.

And Kevin, who went to Knowsley Hey school, said he hopes their success can inspire other students too.

He said: "Where we are can sometimes have a bad name, so it's good to get something out to prove you can do it if you want to."

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SHOWTIME: Young Panto Producers Kevin Brown and Darren Paine