PANTO returns to Christchurch Regent Centre later this month as Highcliffe Charity Players present Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for the first time in almost 40 years!

There are ten performances from January 21- 28, including three matinees, a mid-morning show and two tea time shows with all profits going to local charities.

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Well, obviously it’s Princess Snow White, looking radiant on her 18th birthday. But that only enrages her wicked and jealous stepmother, Queen Malevolent, who considers herself by far the fairest in the land. And so begins this classic story as the vengeful Queen embarks on an evil plot to kill Snow White with a poisoned apple and claim her handsome suitor, Prince Edward, for herself. Luckily Snow White has plenty of pals to protect her including her outrageous nurse, Dame Doitall, Handy Andy the Court’s cheeky ‘Mr Fix-it’ and, of course, those delightfully quirky diamond-miners, the loveable Seven Dwarfs.

Sorcery and enchantment, magic and mystery, romance and glamour - this heart-stopping adventure has them all. As does HCP’s renowned panto formula of great sets, brilliant costumes and dazzling song and dance routines combined with hilarious comedy and audience participation. (Oh yes you will!)

Taking the title role is HCP newcomer Charlotte Williams who said: “I am beyond thrilled to have been given this opportunity – though I danced in shows at school, this is my first major role in my first panto. It’s all so exciting!”

Her Prince is played by Kara Tompkins, a seasoned performer who appeared in variety shows on the cruise ships and now works as an Entertainment Booking Executive for P&O Cruises. Kara joined HCP for their recent revue and says: “Although I’ve appeared in many shows over the years, this is my first ever panto and I’m just loving it!”

The wicked Queen sees HCP Chairman Georgina Smith (an award winning principal boy, director and choreographer) returning to panto after a gap of eight years. “HCP have only performed Snow White once, back in 1978 at our original home of St Mark’s Hall in Highcliffe”, she says. “So it’s really exciting for us to be staging this full-scale production at the Regent Centre. It’s also particularly special for me as I’m sharing the stage with my 16-year-old son Stanley, who is playing the Spirit of the Mirror. It’s his first role in a panto and continues the family tradition – his late grandfather, Tony Smith, was one of the founders of Charity Players (in 1971) and the Company’s renowned Dame for many years. Needless to say, Stan’s relishing it!”

Popular comedienne Christine Duell returns as HCP’s larger-than life Dame. “It was a huge honour being chosen as HCP’s first ever female Dame in last year’s panto, and I hope to be even more outrageous this time round. After all, there is nothing like a Dame!” Another HCP stalwart, Malcolm George plays Handy Andy: “I love doing comic roles,” he says. “It is such fun exchanging banter with the audience.”

Jointly directing Snow White is father and son team Paul Barrington and 21-year-old Charles Michael Duke. Says Paul (himself a renowned Dame): “It’s over 20 years since I last directed a panto and it feels good being back in the director’s chair! And we are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and wonderfully talented cast of both HCP favourites and terrific newcomers.” Adds Charles: “I’ve had a great time putting my ideas to paper and cannot wait to see them come to life on stage!”

Continuing the family ties, Paul’s wife Emma is sharing the choreography with fellow HCP member Charlotte Starr. “Dance is a passion,” they agree. “We are really enjoying putting the cast through their paces and hopefully creating some show stopping numbers!” And completing the production team is HCP’s Musical Director, Stuart Darling heading the six-piece live panto band.

Tickets (£10.50-£12.50) are on sale both at the Regent Centre Box Office (01202 499199) and online: www.regentcentre.co.uk Further information www.highcliffecharityplayers.com