There was a right carry on in Lowestoft yesterday as one of Britain's most recognisable faces flew into town to promote her pantomime.
Amanda Barrie, known to millions as Alma in Coronation Street and her eye-catching role in Carry On Cleo, appeared at the Marina Theatre to launch the pantomime Cinderella.
She will be playing the role of the Fairy Godmother between December 17 and January 4 and yesterday she could be seen cavorting with the two ugly sisters outside the theatre.
Amanda, who first appeared in a pantomime when she was three, is looking forward to bringing seasonal cheer to audiences at the Marina Theatre.
She said: 'Pantomimes are the only types of shows where grandparents, mothers and fathers and their children can come along and enjoy themselves equally.
'I think Cinderella will be full of laughs and is a bit magical. I hope we can tell the story in such a way so children believe in it.'
Amanda became a comedy icon in 1964 when she appeared as the Queen in Egypt in Carry on Cleo, in which she bathed in milk as Sid James and Kenneth Williams tried to win her affections.
In 1981 she made her first appearance in Coronation Street as Alma, who went on to have a tumultuous relationship with Mike Baldwin and was kidnapped by taxi driver Don Brennan.
She left the programme in 2001 after her character died from cancer.
Amanda has also starred in Bad Girls, One of our Dinosaurs is Missing and I Gotta Horse.
She said: 'I have been very lucky in my career. I had good fun on Carry On and Coronation Street – they are part of British life now.'
Paul Holman, from producers Paul Holman Associates, said: 'Amanda brings prefect chemistry in the role of Fairy Godmother, which she plays with a cocktail of compassion, care and quirkiness. She has a presence on stage which engages and entertains audiences of all ages and we all believe in her fairy magic.'
It is the second winter in row that a Coronation Street star has featured in the theatre's pantomime as Nigel Pivaro, who played Terry Duckworth, appeared as the villian Abanazer.
For details of ticket prices and to book, call the box office on 01502 533200.
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