AS ONE seventh of 90s pop sensation S Club 7, Jon Lee got used to being surrounded by screaming fans.

When he joined the group aged 16, it took his life on a different direction. In the five years that S Club 7 dominated the pop world, they had number one hits in various countries, including four in the UK and a top ten billboard chart position in the US.

Before pop beckoned, he was in musical theatre, having started his career aged 12 playing the title role in Oliver! at the London Palladium alongside Jonathan Pryce.

In recent years Jon has returned to theatre, starring in such shows as Les Miserables and Jersey Boys.

And he’s in Bradford until January 29, playing Peter Pan in the Alhambra’s swashbuckling panto.

He said: “I’ve been to ‘flying school, learning how to do somersaults and back flips in the air!

“It took a bit of getting used to because your instinct is not to do it, but once I got the hang of it I got such a buzz out of it.”

Jon has joined Alhambra panto stalwart Billy Pearce, singer and actor Darren Day and former Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick in the show, which combines special effects with traditional elements of pantomime.

Jon added: “Doing panto is a really magical experience. I played Aladdin and flew out on a magic carpet – the audience loved it.

“The special effects and technical wizardry in panto now are really impressive, but I think it’s important to have the traditional aspect, too. It’s quite an art form, and you have to get it right.

“Standing there and being funny isn’t as easy as it looks. And, of course, young children believe in everything they see on stage. It’s a wonderful introduction to live theatre for children.”

he band had their own TV show which ran for four seasons and was shown in 110 countries.

Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.