An Eastenders star has swapped soap-operas for the stage as she prepares to delight audiences in a County Durham pantomime.
Audiences are invited to be our guest at Empire Consett for this year’s panto, Beauty and the Beast.
In a roar-some cast reveal, Cheryl Fergison will make her debut at the Durham County Council venue as she plays Mrs Polly Potts.
The British Soap Award winner is best known for playing Heather Trott on Eastenders. Since appearing on the popular drama, Cheryl took part in Celebrity Big Brother and has starred in many pantomimes across the country.
And it will be a family affair for Cheryl as her son, Alex Saddiqi, will appear alongside her as Coggie Clocksworth.
Now in her fifteenth-year writing and directing Empire Consett’s pantomime, Leah Bell will also star as Mrs Patsy Pans.
And having played a variety of roles in previous years including a baddie, a goodie, a Dame and a cow, venue favourite Jason Jones will take on one of his favourite roles as Gavisgon Le Planque.
A full supporting cast will see returning members such as Jonny Larman as Louis the Lamplighter; Gabrielle Smith as Belle; Alison Stanley as Eloise the Enchantress; Zachary Douglas as Freddie Le Flump; Andy Power Tate as Professor Maurice Nincompoop; Kastriot Hasani as Prince Rafael of Rowlands Gill; Annabel Young as Charmaine; Lucy Gregory as Esme; Millie Hogben as Josephine; and Katie Potts who will be making her debut at Empire Consett as Juliette.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, tourism and high street, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Cheryl Fergison as part of the cast for this year’s pantomime at Empire Consett. Cheryl brings an incredible talent to the stage and audiences are sure to be dazzled by her performance.
“Joining Cheryl is our excellent cast who have entertained audiences in Consett time after tale as old as time. Panto season might seem far far away, but we’d encourage people to book their tickets now to make sure they don’t miss out.”
Beauty and the Beast will run at Empire Consett from Friday 27 November to Thursday 31 December, with accessible shows including a British Sign Language performance on Monday 28 December, at 3pm and a relaxed performance on Tuesday 29 December, at 11am.
When the selfish Prince Rafael is transformed into a hideous Beast, only his most loyal staff stand by him. The prince must prove he has changed his ways before the final petal falls from an enchanted rose.
Will Louis the Lamplighter light the way? Will Coggie Clocksworth come up with a plan? Can Polly Potts and Patsy Pans stop arguing long enough to help? Will Gavisgon le Planque steal the heart of beautiful Belle?
Audiences can find out in a tale packed full of adventure and fun with dazzling costumes, hit songs and audience participation.
Tickets for the performance start from £10, including discounts for families, schools and groups, and can be booked by contacting the Empire Consett Box Office on 03000 262 400 or online at www.empireconsett.co.uk.
