Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs is set to take East Anglia by storm. The family panto at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich has a host of stars, a brilliant story line and more laughs than you could ever imagine ...
Details of the show were revealed at a launch at Christchurch Mansion where everyone’s favourite soap star Anita Dobson reminded us that she’s come a long way since serving pints at the Queen Vic with Dirty Den.
Anita, an accomplished star of both stage and screen, said: “I love doing this part (she plays the evil Queen). We’ve got a fantastic panto and I am really looking forward to it. The Queen is completely psychotic - like all women of my age!”
This is the fourth time she has had the role, following rave reviews in Croydon, Tunbridge Wells and High Wycombe.
Joining Anita on stage at the Regent will be children’s TV presenter Richard Cadell and he’s bringing his old friends Sooty and Sweep to join in the fun - and cause mayhem, of course. Richard is a busy man; he is also a partner of Duo Entertainments, which is producing the panto.
Glamour is provided by the formidable Malcolm Lord as Dame Donut. With her extravagant make-up and her shapely pins, Dame Donut does not doubt her allure and that is matched by her ability to leave audiences rolling with mirth. Malcolm found panto fame standing in for the legendary John Inman and has never looked back. “The best panto dame in the land,” said producer Barrie Stead.
More glamour is provided in the title role by the sultry Simone Craddock. Simone hails from Oz and played in her first pantomime last year. “Everybody cheered and clapped, which did my ego no harm at all.”
Sean Smith plays the handsome Prince (Prince Danilo of Darah to give him his full name). He’s only 20 but his vocal talents are already creating a stir in the entertainment world.
Last but certainly not least, we have the dwarfs. “Seven of them,” said Barrie. “Some pantos have only two and they say things like ‘you other five stay out of sight’ but we have all seven and they are fantastic. Jamie Pendrick and Scott English both have TV experience and both attended the launch.
And then there is the Regent Theatre. Owner Ipswich Borough Council has invested heavily in the building, updating the Circle Lounge, toilets and bars. More will be spent on the auditorium over the next few years. Barrie said: “It’s wonderful to walk into a theatre and see money being spent.”
Duo was behind last year’s successful panto at the Regent, Peter Pan, starring Brian Blessed (and others). The theatre is the largest in East Anglia and everyone involved is looking forward to December.
Councillor Judy Terry, Ipswich Borough Council’s Arts, Culture & Leisure portfolio-holder, said: “Last year was our first professional panto; this year we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of people from all over the region. Snow White will be the best panto in the best theatre. The show has been specially designed for the Regent. It’s going to be tremendous fun - so don’t miss out.”
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs from Friday 15th December 2006 to Sunday 7th January 2007. Prices vary - and family tickets and group tickets are available. Call the box office for details - 01473 433100 or book online at www.ipswichregent.com