THE STARS of this winter’s pantomime at Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre have met up in costume for the first time.
This year’s pantomime is Cinderella, and sees a host of stars take to the stage in Anton Benson’s unique production about the Disney princess.
Coronation Street star Beverley Callard headlines the panto as the Wicked Stepmother.
Callard, who appeared in the 20th series of I’m A Celebrity at Abergele’s Gwrych Castle, is best known for her role as the popular Liz McDonald in the soap opera.
Alongside her is former Sugababes member Amelle Berrabah, who will feature as the Fairy Godmother.
Pixie Polite and Elektra Fence from RuPaul’s Drag Race will be the Wicked Step-sisters, and ITV’s I Have a Dream star Owen Johnston will star as the dashing Prince.
Georgia Conway, a young actor from North Wales, is Cinderella, while ventriloquist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey will return for a second year with Chuck.
Ahead of rehearsals for the show, Beverley Callard told The Journal: “I always play the baddie, and I think so many of the woman’s parts in panto are a bit drippy and too-good-to-be-true – I love playing the baddie, I love panto.
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“Lots of actors say panto is too hard work, but compared to Coronation Street it definitely isn’t hard work.
“As soon as we are in rehearsal then I will discover where I am going to ad-lib a bit.”
Owen Johnston said: “This is actually my first ever panto, so this is a completely new experience for me.
“I’ve been told by other people “you’ve got to be the pretty boy”, but I’m willing to just have as much fun and give a lot of creativity to the role as well.
“I am nervous, I’m trying to turn the nerves into excitement – panto is completely different so it’s going to be fun.”
The Anton Benton Productions panto will be held at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre from December 7-31, and is a highlight of Rhyl's festive celebrations.
Tickets are on sale now – you won’t want to miss out.
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