Whilst outside the people of Stockport dared to believe Summer had actually began with the sun beating down, inside the magnificent Plaza Theatre there was more of a Christmas feel to the day as the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were introduced to the press and invited guests.
Hosted by general manager of The Plaza and dressed for the occasion as The Spirit of the Mirror, Ted Doan began the proceedings by introducing Richard Chandler from Extravaganza Productions. Returning to The Plaza after last year’s record breaking production of Cinderella Extravaganza have already extended this year’s show by a week due to unprecedented demand.
Snow White stars Liverpudlian Dean Sullivan as Nurse Glucose. Best known for his role as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside Sullivan makes his debut as a pantomime dame in Stockport. Having previously been known for playing the baddies over the festive period in the past Sullivan is relishing the chance to be Dame with his flamboyant costumes requiring their own changing area backstage.
Along with Sullivan, Kim Hartman returns to the Plaza stage playing her favourite role of the Wicked Queen. Hartman rose to fame as Private Helga Geerhart appearing in all 96 episodes of ‘Allo ‘Allo and still to this day makes guest appearances with co-star Richard Gibson who played Herr Flick.
Taking the title role of Snow White and returning to the Plaza for the second year running is Becky Bennett. Bennett who received rave reviews last year as Cinderella is delighted to be returning to Stockport and meeting up once more with old friends.
Providing merriment, mirth and dare we say a little chaos Bradley Thompson is set to star as Muddles the Jester. Thompson has spent the last two festive seasons appearing at The Epstein Theatre in Liverpool. His seemingly never ending energy is sure to make him a hit with the children in the audience, both young and old.
Every pantomime needs a Prince, and Bradley Clarkson fulfils the role this year as Prince Rupert. Clarkson a finalist on ITV’s Grease is the Word has also starred in the West End as Norman in Dreamboats and Petticoats.
And last but by no means least the seven dwarfs who will be looking after Snow White are Graham Hughes as Moody, Fergus Rattigan as Brainy, Peter Sunter as Snoozy, Jack Hilton as Smiley, Niall McVeigh as Tisher, Ben Holmes as Dozey and Binde Johal as Goopy.
With dazzling sets and sumptuous costumes Snow White is set to be another blockbuster pantomime for The Plaza. And with the show already being extended by a week we advise booking your tickets quick before it is too late.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs from the 4th December 2015 – 10th January 2016 and you can book tickets HERE!
Previewer: Paul Downham