STARS of this year's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

pantomime were in Derby yesterday to be fitted for their

costumes.

The cast includes a former Dr Who, a star of TV classic Only

Fools and Horses, and Laura Sicurello, who shot to fame on

BBC1's How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria? programme with

Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Laura starred in her first professional pantomime last year

in Greenwich but said she was looking forward to playing the

part of Snow White in Derby even more.

She said: "People expect Snow White to be a shy and timid

character but I'm going to be a bit more fiery and

confident.

"It's about having fun and not taking yourself too

seriously.

"There's normally a few jokes for the adults – so much so

that you could argue it's more for them than the children."

Her character will be attempting to escape the clutches of

the Evil Queen, played by Only Fools and Horses and Green,

Green Grass actress Sue Holderness.

It is a role that the Hampstead-born actress is looking

forward to.

She said: "I love being evil and get a big kick through

being abusive and rude to my audience. I just don't have as

much fun being good."

The 59-year-old has previously played the villain in Beauty

and the Beast, but believes Snow White has always been the

number-one Christmas panto.

She said: "It has absolutely everything from the love story

to the wicked witch and her sidekick."

She will be joined by former Dr Who actor Sylvester McCoy,

who is starring as the Evil Queen's henchman and can expect a

Dalek encounter.

He said it was also the kind of role he most enjoyed

playing.

He said: "It's great to be a villain and I love my boos.

Over the years I've played every panto part but I enjoy being

the villain as it's a very singular role."

The 65-year-old still remembers playing the role of Peter

Pan when he was just four years old.

He believes pantomimes were important as they provided

children with a magical experience that they never forgot.

He said: "It takes all the magic and wonder elements of

theatre and marries them together into one show.

"Panto is the only thing the British have invented for

theatre and I'm proud of it."

Rehearsals start on November 28 and performances take place

between December 10 and January 9 at the Assembly Rooms in

Derby Market Place.

Tickets are from £8.50 and can be booked by calling the box

office on 01332 255800.

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