Making Memories That Last a Lifetime:
An Interview with Founder, Martin Cabble-Reid & Administrator, Lisa Hunter
When you think of pantomime, images of laughter, vibrant costumes, and joyous family gatherings likely come to mind. But for some, the opportunity to enjoy live theatre—especially at Christmastime—is a luxury they can’t afford. Enter the Kevin Cruise Foundation, a local charity dedicated to making theatre accessible to everyone. In this exclusive joint interview, Martin Cabble-Reid, the performer behind the beloved Kevin Cruise, and Lisa Hunter, the foundation’s administrator, share the story behind the foundation, its impact, and their hopes for the future.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting the foundation, and how did you overcome them?
Martin Cabble-Reid: Initially, I named it The Royal Borough Theatre Project because I didn’t want it to be about me. But nobody knew what it was! I also got bogged down with the complexities of running a not-for-profit—insurance, governance, transparency—all of which are crucial. That’s when Lisa stepped in. She’s amazing at organisation and took charge of the serious stuff. She also convinced me to rename it The Kevin Cruise Foundation, a name people instantly recognised. From there, the grants started pouring in, and we overcame those initial hurdles. 
Q: How have you seen the performing arts transform lives through the foundation’s programs?
Martin Cabble-Reid: Through our Scholarship Programme, we’ve supported young people at local theatre schools, and the feedback has been incredible. It’s not just about learning to sing, dance, or act—it’s about finding your tribe. These kids meet others who share their passion, and those friendships can last a lifetime. Lisa Hunter: It’s also about confidence. We’ve heard from parents and teachers that children who’ve participated in our programs have grown in ways they never imagined. That’s what makes it all so worthwhile. Q: What’s your vision for the future of the Kevin Cruise Foundation, and are there any new initiatives in the pipeline? Martin Cabble-Reid: We’d love to gift even more panto tickets each year and eventually run our own workshops, bringing in industry professionals for one-off events. That would be a dream, but we need more funding to make it happen. Lisa Hunter: We’re proud of what we do now, and we’re committed to delivering excellence. Expanding to host workshops would allow us to reach even more children, helping them build skills and confidence while having fun. Q: How do you work with Lisa to achieve the foundation’s goals, and what strengths do you bring to the team? Martin Cabble-Reid: Lisa and I make a great team because first and foremost we’re friends! We have a common goal and both bring our professional and life experiences with us. We both bring a really good understanding of what theatre is and what people really enjoy about theatre. Lisa and I have a work ethic that means we throw ourselves into everything we do and make sure it happens! I couldn't do this without Lisa because she's amazing at pushing me to get things done knowing that sometimes I’m travelling between gigs or performing! Lisa Hunter: Essentially Martin sends me various voice notes which are downloads from his brain with another “crazy” idea, that I then have to decipher and make happen! Only joking, well half joking, we both share ideas and work off each other’s passions to make sure we’re delivering on our objectives. I guess I bring the organisation skills to the charity, I’m all about lists and action plans. Q: What does the performing arts mean to you personally, and how has it influenced your life? Martin Cabble-Reid: Performing has been my life for 26 years. Growing up in a small village, I never thought it was possible, but hard work and supportive people made it happen. The arts are about more than just performance—it’s about friendships, memories, and experiences. Lisa Hunter: For me, it’s about connection. Watching a live performance brings people together in a way that few things can. Being part of a foundation that helps others experience that is incredibly meaningful. Q: What legacy do you hope the Kevin Cruise Foundation will leave? Martin Cabble-Reid: I’d love for the foundation to be the go-to charity for creating memories, whether that’s through panto tickets or special events. We want to bring Christmas magic to those who need it most. Q: What message would you like to share with the community about the importance of the Kevin Cruise Foundation? Lisa Hunter: What we do might not be life-saving, but it’s life-enhancing. Memories are powerful—they bring families closer, spark joy, and stay with you for years. Martin Cabble-Reid: I still remember the pantomimes I saw as a kid—they’re part of who I am. Through the foundation, I want to give that gift to as many people as possible, ensuring they have their own special memories to hold onto. With their shared passion and dedication, Martin Cabble-Reid and Lisa Hunter have turned the Kevin Cruise Foundation into a force for good in the community. By making theatre accessible to all, they’re not just entertaining—they’re creating joy, fostering connections, and inspiring dreams that last a lifetime. |
Q: What inspired you to create the Kevin Cruise Foundation, and how did your own experiences shape its mission?
Martin Cabble-Reid: Over the years, I noticed that families who used to attend pantomimes were skipping years because of the cost. Theatre tickets can be expensive despite many theatres offering discounts, but I believe everyone deserves the chance to experience it, especially pantomime. Unlike plays or musicals, panto is for everyone. It’s the perfect family outing at Christmas, and I wanted to make it accessible for those who might otherwise miss out. As a local figure, I was meeting trustees of grant-giving groups, and I realised I could use my platform to do good. That’s how the foundation was born. It’s all about bringing people together to create memories that last a lifetime. Q: Can you tell us about your role as Foundation Administrator? Lisa Hunter: As the Administrator for the Kevin Cruise Foundation, it’s my job to ensure we’re delivering on our objectives. That includes managing our scholarships with the performing arts schools we work with and coordinating with charities and theatres to purchase over 700 tickets to panto each year. I’m also responsible for financial management, ensuring we’re fully compliant with charity laws, and applying for grants to cover running costs. One of my biggest tasks is organising our annual charity gala dinner, from liaising with the venue and booking entertainment to managing ticket sales. It’s a lot of work, but our supporters are lovely, which makes it all worthwhile. 
Q: How do you identify and connect with families, carers, and individuals who could benefit from the foundation’s work?
Lisa Hunter: We collaborate closely with incredible local charities to ensure that the support we provide reaches those who genuinely need it. These organisations help us identify families, carers, and individuals who would benefit most from our work, such as children facing significant challenges or families experiencing financial difficulties. Additionally, we work hand-in-hand with performing arts schools to identify talented students whose families are struggling to afford tuition. This ensures our efforts are meaningful and targeted, making a real difference in people’s lives. Q: Can you share a memorable story or experience that highlights the foundation’s impact on the community? Martin Cabble-Reid: So many of our stories are deeply personal, and I wouldn’t want to share them without permission. But I can say this: the joy we bring is incredible. One family of Ukrainian refugees, told me watching the panto felt like being in a live cartoon—a joyful escape from everything they’d been through. We’ve also supported families with children facing serious illnesses. For siblings of those children, a panto outing creates cherished memories. We might not be saving lives, but we’re creating moments of happiness that stay with people forever. Lisa Hunter: For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the smiles on the faces of the families and scholars we support. Hearing about the hardships some children face and knowing that even a couple of hours at a panto or a weekly performing arts class can help them escape those challenges is incredibly fulfilling. 
Martin & Lisa at the Foundation Ball
Martin as his comedy character, Kevin Cruise in panto at the Theatre Royal Windsor
Martin as 'Mr Martin' in the Basil Brush Show
Martin and Basil Brush at Glastonbury Festival
Martin as Kevin Cruise
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