Tré Copeland-Williams joins the cast of Magical Merlin, a spellbinding family adventure returning to the West End this October half term. The show plays a limited run at St. Martin’s Theatre, home of The Mousetrap, and promises magical fun for audiences of all ages.
In this exclusive interview, Tré shares insights into playing the brave Sir Lancelot and the comical Grunt, and what it’s like to perform in a show filled with dragons, wizards, and catchy musical numbers.
Magical Merlin runs from 27 October to 2 November 2025 at St. Martin’s Theatre. Tickets are available here.
You’re starring in Magical Merlin at St. Martin’s Theatre – what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a brilliant family musical celebrating friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. It’s set in Ancient Britain and is full of magic and enchantment, following the story of King Arthur, Morgan Le Fay, and of course the amazing magician Merlin himself!
It’s perfect for little ones – full of colour and laughter, with brilliant song and dance routines for them to enjoy.
You play Lancelot and Grunt – how do you approach performing two very different characters in one production?
I find you have to dive straight in and find their differences physically first – that always helps. Physical attributes for your characters are usually the best way for the audience to differentiate between them very easily.
That, and accents really help – or at least how you approach language.
What’s it like working on a show that’s designed especially for children and families?
It’s the best. For me, I love entertaining the next generation and showing them that silliness and fun is the best way to an amazing show.
Also, within that silliness there is a seriousness – you have to be committed to the silliness for it not to feel strange or like you’re “taking the mic.” It’s a fine line you have to walk in pantos, and the best performers find that line and walk it cleanly.
The show features dragons, magic, and musical numbers – do you have a favourite moment to perform?
At the moment we are staging it all, so it’s all new, fun, and fresh. I love that it’s really a collaboration of ideas – how we can make these characters and their world feel real and important enough for the audience to care and cheer for us!
Favourite song at the moment is TINTAGEL!
How does it feel to be part of a production that’s returning to the West End after a successful previous run?
It’s an absolute honour. A West End credit in a panto is sometimes really rare, but more than that, it means the company really believes that the work we make deserves to be on the West End stage – and that is awesome to think about and be a part of.
Plus, it means we can create an awesome spectacle.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Magical Merlin?
Bring the energy, bring the fun, and make sure you’re ready to get lots of songs stuck in your head!
Oh, and there’s a special surprise for kids who book early – so get on those tickets! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve done!
