Pantomime Pay Now Save Now offer expires soon
Fans of BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey are in for a double treat this Christmas... not only has filming begun for a Christmas Day special, but Melanie Walters is swapping Wales for her magic wand and heading to Mansfield Palace Theatre to play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.
The actress, best known for playing Gwen West in the BAFTA winning TV series, is looking forward to casting her magic spells on the audience, telling us:
"The Fairy Godmother is a delightful part to play because she grants wishes and what more can you ask for at Christmas? I've heard from so many people that Mansfield Palace is a lovely theatre with a brilliant audience. Panto is great fun for all the family and I can't wait".
Those with children will recognise the infectious smile of Olivia Birchenough as Cinderella. Olivia was born in Cheshire and has been singing, dancing and acting since a young age. Her studies - which included aerial acrobatics, gymnastics and circus skills - paid off when she was given a presenting role on channel 5's Milkshake! Olivia can't wait to put on her (glad)rags and head to the Ball this Christmas. This is her third time playing the title character of Cinderella for UK Productions and is a part she won Best Leading Female for at the 2017 Great British Pantomime Awards. She says:
"I am so excited to be spending Christmas in Mansfield in my seventh pantomime for UK Productions".
Funny man Adam Moss will again be back at Mansfield's premier entertainment venue by popular demand, this time in the role of Buttons. After having a hand in re-working parts of Snow White last year, Adam can't wait to get his hands on this year's script and add his trademark 'Mossy mayhem':
"This year marks my 30th year in show business which is hard to believe considering I'm only 37! What better way to celebrate than being back in Mansfield for one of their favourite pantomimes, Cinderella? I have so many ideas up my sleeve to make it another show to remember".
Completing the casting line up are Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph who promise to bring an extensive range of outrageous yet glamorous costumes to their roles as the Ugly Sisters. They told us:
"Panto is our favourite time of year. Seeing families enjoying the magic of live theatre, possibly for the first time, is great. We love the cheers, the boos, and mostly the laughter".
Melanie, Olivia, Jamie and Tarot all starred in Cinderella together during the 2017/18 pantomime season. The chemistry they have as a cast has been likened to spending Christmas with family, and with the added magic of the sensational Shetland Ponies live on stage, this could be the town's best panto yet! (Oh yes it could!)
With almost 65% of tickets already sold, the theatre is urging customers to book early if they want to secure certain seats or performances (Christmas Eve shows already have very limited availability.) The usual Pay Now Save Now offer is currently running, with £1.00 off per ticket until 31 August. The friendly Box Office team can be contacted on 01623 633133 or online bookings can be made 24/7 at mansfieldpalace.co.uk.