Rob GarrattOne of Britain's best known comedians and actors has been added to the list of stars appearing at this year's pantomime in Norwich.Rob Garratt

One of Britain's best-known comedians and actors has been added to the list of stars appearing at this year's pantomime in Norwich.

Norwich Theatre Royal has announced that comic star Tony Slattery will be playing the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in this year's production, Robin Hood.

Mr Slattery shot to fame in comedy game show Whose Line Is It Anyway? before going on to star in Coronation Street, Bad Girls and The Royal.

In recent years he become best known as Sidney in Kingdom, a role that has put him filming in Norfolk and on screen opposite one of the star's of last year's Theatre Royal panto - the county's very own Stephen Fry.

Mr Slattery said: "This is my first panto and I'm playing a baddie.

"Kingdom went down really well, it was old-fashioned Sunday night entertainment - and now I'm back in the same bit of the world doing panto.

"I am really enthusiastic - I know we showbiz types say 'well, darling, it's something I have always wanted to do since I was a foetus' - but the fact is since I became professional I wanted to do a pantomime, and this is the first time I've had the opportunity, which is a lot to do with popularity of Kingdom in this area."

Other new additions to the Robin Hood cast include radio comedy performer Helen Atkinson-Wood, as the Evil Witch, and locally based Danielle Kelly as Maid Marian.

Norwich-born Ms Kelly will be making a welcome return to the city after taking part in last year's pantomime as a member of the chorus, and as Snow White's understudy taking the lead role in three performances.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: "We are very excited to welcome Tony to the cast of Robin Hood. He is one of this country's most versatile actors and performers and will bring a bit of humour to the role of the Sheriff.

"It is also fantastic news that Danielle has agreed to rejoin us this year. She was a key member of the chorus last year winning praise from audiences for her performance.

"The creative team were eager to give her the opportunity to take on one of the lead roles this year."

� Robin Hood runs from December 15 until January 17.

To book tickets call the box office on 01603 630000 or online at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.

� For the latest events and attractions going on in and around Norwich see the Going Out section in Friday's Evening News or log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk.

� Have you got a star coming to your event in the city? Contact Rob Garratt on 01603 772439 or email rob.garratt@archant.co.uk.