Michelle Heaton joins Tyne Theatre Pantomime as the Wicked Queen!
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Friday 8th to Sunday 31st December 2017
Today was the press launch at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House for this year’s pantomime which includes singer, actress and presenter, Michelle Heaton, who will star as the Wicked Queen in this year’s Pantomime, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
Michelle joins several brilliant cast members who have already been announced, including Matt Pagan from Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro who will play the Prince, local favourites Charlie Richmondand Lewis Denny who will return as Muddles and Herman the Henchman, and talented local actress Robyn McEnaney who was picked to star as Snow White through the theatre’s ‘Search for Snow White’ auditions.
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Charlie Richmond introduces Michelle Heaton Photo: Carliol Photography |
Michelle Heaton still has family in Gateshead and still tours with her pop band Liberty X. Along with Jessica, Kelli, Kevin and Tony they were formed during their time on the hit ITV show Popstars. It was the year of Hearsay Vs Liberty X in 2001 and the band went on to sign with Richard Branson’s’ V2 label. In the subsequent 5 years they had 7 top 10 singles, including their most successful, ‘Just a little’. This track debuted at number 1 in the UK, selling 100,000 copies in its first week. The track also won the Brit award for Best British Single in 2003.
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Wicked Queen - Michelle Heaton |
The band reformed for the TV show The Big Reunion on ITV in 2013. The year of 5ive, Blue and others – they had a very successful and critically acclaimed TV show and followed on with a sellout Arena tour. After the group went their separate ways, Michelle appeared on various TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother, Come Dine with Me and the Irish Apprentice. She has also appeared regularly on ITV’s Loraine show and Loose Women. Recently Michelle has gone back to touring not just with Liberty X but also with Atomic Kitten internationally. She stepped in to the shoes of Liz McClarnon, for a recent tour of Australia and New Zealand and more dates with both bands follow this year, both in the UK and internationally. Michelle will be performing with Liberty X in a couple of day’s time in Dubai before doing dates with Atomic Kitten.
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Charlie Richmond introduces Fran, one of the local dancers Photo: Carliol Photography |
Theatre Director Joanne Johnson says: “I’m so excited to announce that Michelle Heaton will be part of our pantomime this year, it’s great to have a local celebrity treading the boards! I think we have a fantastic strong cast and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs will be an amazing show for the whole family. We already can’t wait until December!”
This is not the first time that Michelle has performed in the role as she was the Wicked Queen in a Scottish panto last year too. She has wanted to do panto in the region for some time and is pleased to get the chance in such a fun role: “this cast is second to none” she remarked today.
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Robyn McEnaney Photo: Carliol Photography |
Adding to the local flavour of the Tyne Theatre Panto is Snow White herself. Gateshead’s Robyn McEnaney trained at Newcastle College before performing as a Disney Princess at Disneyland Paris. After being informed of her audition success she said she was “very excited to be working with Charlie Richmond.” Robyn was given an opportunity in the preview to sing and she has a real quality to her singing voice. Robyn will be a superb addition to the cast.
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Charlie Richmond introduces the seven dwarfs Photo: Carliol Photography |
Local lad Charlie Richmond also trained at Newcastle College before going to Sunderland University to study drama. He made his debut in the 1999 film Purely Belter. More recently he has been known at NETG Towers as ‘the funny one at the Newcastle Panto.’ He is at ease when handling both the audience and fellow actors and he always brings a smile to our faces.
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Callobro star Matt Pagan is the Prince Photo: Carliol Photography |
Taking a break from touring with Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro is Matt Pagan who’ll be appearing as the Prince. After signing with Simon Cowell’s Syco label they have had three successful album releases. Matt is no stranger to pantomime either. He played this role in Carlisle in 2013. Matt was given the opportunity to sing today and he too has a rich voice that will be fabulous to hear in this year’s panto.
The Tyne Theatre celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2017 and it is fitting that they will have a professional pantomime with a nice mix of local talent and famous faces. We look forward to it opening on Friday 8thDecember.
Tickets:
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs runs from Friday 8th to Sunday 31st December.
Tickets are available now from Eventim Tickets LINK
The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days.
Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)
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