Preview: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Consett Empire Theatre

Snow White brings the magic of panto to Consett theatre

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Consett Empire Theatre

Saturday 30 November - Tuesday 31 December 2019

One of the most loved fairy tales of all time will be retold with a festive twist when a County Durham theatre’s annual pantomime returns.

The cast of Snow White at the Empire Theatre

Following a series of sell-out pantomimes, the Empire Theatre and Cinema in Consett is bringing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the stage from Saturday 30 November to Tuesday 31 December.

Once again, the Durham County Council venue has teamed up with North East actress and producer Leah Bell for the family production, which combines the magic of a traditional pantomime with well-known pop songs guaranteed to get the audience singing along.

Actress and producer Leah Bell
who is directing the production
and playing Mary Christmas

Leah has taken the story of Snow White but given the characters a distinctly northern feel, with Sir Rodney Rotten of Rowlands Gill and Wicked Queen Dolores of Derwentside kidnapping the beautiful Snow White.

She has also added an additional storyline about the town’s toy factory, which is busy making presents for Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve. Naturally, the panto villains are on the naughty list and their treacherous actions prompt toy soldiers from the factory to join the hunt to find Snow White and re-unite her with her beloved, Prince Edmund of Ebchester.

Spectacular effects, dazzling costumes, the year’s biggest pop songs and the hilarious appearance of Snow White’s faithful little friends on a Love Island inspired reality television show, bring the panto bang up to date

Alex Seymour, who is playing
Prince Edmund of Ebchester and
Maria May, who is playing Snow
White

Leah, who is playing Mary Christmas in the production, said: “This is the ninth panto I have produced for the Empire Theatre and it’s something I look forward to all year. It’s a wonderful venue and we always receive such a warm response from audiences.

“This year’s show looks set to be one of the best to date. We have a fantastic cast and a thrilling storyline full of surprises. I know it will be a hit with people of all ages.”

Among those joining Leah on stage are Maria May, who is playing Snow White; Jason Jones who is playing Queen Dolores; James de Lauch Hay, who is playing Sir Rodney; and Alex Seymour who is playing Prince Edmund.

Nicola Dailly, arts programme manager at the Empire Theatre and Cinema, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leah Bell and such a talented cast on our annual festive pantomime. Leah has done a wonderful job at reimagining Snow White for a 21^st century audience and I would urge people to book their tickets now to avoid missing out.”

Tickets:

Performances will take place at various dates and times between Saturday 30 November and Tuesday 31 December. Tickets cost £17 for adults, £15 for concessions and £56 for a family of four with a minimum of one adult. Group booking discounts are also available.

For more information or to book, visit www.empireconsett.co.uk or call 03000 262 400.