Snow White stars arrive to prepare for Christmas panto

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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