EVERY young actress dreams of becoming a panto princess - don't they?

Who just doesn’t love the chance to wear a sparkly dress and a tiara, and look like they’ve been made in a beauty factory by Disney?

Actually, Jessica Hardwick isn’t the fairy princess type at all.

The Borders-born actress is currently starring in the Citizens’ Theatre production of Rapunzel.

And the young lady with the hair longer than the Chilton Enquiry is delighted her Rapunzel isn’t a sparkler at all.

“She’s very different to the conventional Princessy types we see in panto at this time of the year,” says Jessica, grinning.

“I spend most of my time in the show covered in mud and wearing dungarees and Doc Martin’s, which is not what panto Princesses normally wear.

“And she’s feisty, and quirky and a bit geeky, but in a sort of lovable way.”

Rapunzel is of course the story of the young lady confined to a tower because her dad did a deal with the devil, in the form of an evil (aren’t they all?) enchantress.

The Brothers Grimm tale sees Rapunzel as being essentially a victim, who spends her time waiting to be rescued by a handsome prince.

“Our Rapunzel is a bit different,” says Jessica, smiling.

“She has her own mind, she’s great fun, and the kids in the audience are enjoying this down-to earth creature who is up for fun and adventure.”

Jessica Hardwick admits to being a tomboy as a kid.

“I grew up helping out on the farm up the road. My life was all about wellies.”

Jessica’s life was also about acting.

“I always wanted to act. I did the school shows and the local am-dram appearances but when I was younger I didn’t actually know you could become an actor.

“It all seemed so unlikely. Thankfully, I got great advice from school and then did a foundation course in London before going to drama college in Glasgow.

“I’m so glad I did. Acting has always been my thing - and I’m so lucky to be able to do it as a job.”

It seems serious talent has also played its part. Since graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2013, Jessica has rarely stopped working.

From joining the Citizens Theatre as an intern, she has appeared in a range of great roles, from Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment to August Strindberg's Miss Julie.

Jessica has also starred in John Byrne's take on Chekhov's Three Sisters at the Tron Theatre and at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh in Goldoni.

More recently, the actress returned to the Citz with Lanark, playing the female lead in David Greig's adaptation of Alasdair Gray's iconic novel.

“I love acting, I love the idea that every part is different and you have no idea who you will be playing next.

“It’s this sense of adventure that excites me about the business.”

In the New Year, Jessica is off to the States, appearing in the hit play The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, produced by the National Theatre of Scotland.

“It will be brilliant, and a chance to see America.”

Meantime, it’s all about convincing the world she is Rapunzel.

“Playing a character such as Rapunzel can be demanding,” she says, grinning.

“It’s a massive wig. (As you expect from something princes use to climb up on). And I’m very hot underneath it.

“And the problem with it being so thick is I don’t feel it when something gets stuck in it.

“For about half an hour last night I had this piece of fern bush stuck in it, and I had no idea.

“But I love the storytelling.”

On that note, is there a strong moral to the panto?

“I don’t think one moral is pushed as such, but I think what’s nice about it is it’s a coming of age tale.

“You meet her as a baby, then we see the younger Rapunzel from four to seven and then I take over.

“Then it’s about her trying to find her Prince but it’s also about the love between Rapunzel and her mother.

“It’s really quite sad because the story is about the mother needing to let go of her daughter, and when she can’t this love turns to evil.”

Jessica adds; “What’s nice about this show is it’s very human. And it’s about sticking up for what you feel is right and following your heart.”

• Rapunzel, The Citizens’ Theatre, until January 3.