It may only be April, but pantomime fun is already on the agenda at Norwich's Theatre Royal – oh yes it is! – as the venue revealed two actors who are joining the cast of its Christmas show.
Former CBeebies presenter Sid Sloane and Cromer Pier favourite Ben Langley will be appearing in the theatre's festive show, Peter Pan, later this year and they were both in Norwich yesterday for costume fittings.
Sid is set to take on the role of the Dame, while Ben will play comedy pirate Starkey in an adaptation of the classic JM Barrie tale about Neverland and the boy who didn't want to grow up.
They are joining Theatre Royal panto stalwart Richard Gauntlett, who will be playing Smee as well as writing and directing the festive spectacular.
John Bultitude, from the Theatre Royal, said: 'Sid and Ben are going to bring even more energy, talent and humour to our festive production of Peter Pan.
'Add in the magical writing of Richard Gauntlett and more exciting casting to come, and the show is poised to be a must-see event in the region's Christmas calendar.'
Sid is best known as being a long-standing presenter on the CBeebies television channel and his stage credits include the world stage premiere of Withnail And I, Shakespeare plays and the UK tour of the Roald Dahl classic The Twits.
Meanwhile, Ben is no stranger to Norfolk, having appeared in the Cromer Seaside Special variety show in 2012 as well as being part of the creative team writing sketches for both the summer and Christmas productions there.
He also writes, directs and stars in the Ha Ha shows which poke fun at different characters and eras from history, and trod the boards at the Theatre Royal opposite Joe Pasquale in Ha Ha Holmes last year.
He has appeared in more than a dozen pantomimes and also spent 17 years as a street entertainer in London's Covent Garden.
Peter Pan is at Norwich's Theatre Royal from December 18 until January 18. Tickets are priced £5.50 to £21. For more information and to book tickets call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Do you have a theatre story? Email emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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