COMEDIAN Janey Godley is set to lead a star cast of Scots as an Aberdeen theatre has released details of its pantomime over the festive season.
The multi-award-winning comedian, blogger and best-selling author will play the part of Mrs Potty in Beauty and the Beast at His Majesty's Theatre (HMT).
Godley (below) is joined in the cast by Call the Midwife actress Laura Main, playing the Fairy Godmother; panto favourite Alan McHugh as Dame Bella Buchan; River City star Paul James Corrigan as Muddles; and Aberdonian actress Danielle Jam is expected to bring some local Doris as she plays Belle.
Jane Spiers, chief executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, said: “We couldn’t be happier to announce this wonderful panto cast and can’t wait to see them on the HMT stage this festive season.
“The panto was sorely missed by all of us at Aberdeen Performing Arts last year as well as our wonderful audiences, so it will be extra special to see the theatre filled with the magic of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.”
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Describing Godley as a "queen of Scottish comedy" with 20 years of comedy under her belt, Spiers added that she is "sure to bring her trademark sharp wit and cheeky sense of humour to her role as Mrs Pott".
She continued: "Laura [below left] made such a fantastic impression on our audiences in 2019 and we are thrilled that she is coming back to charm us all once again in Beauty and the Beast.
"And Danielle [above right] is already a firm favourite with kids through her role on CBeebies’ Molly and Mack, and she will bring great energy and some local Doric charm to the show in the role of Belle.”
“We know how much our audiences adore Alan [below left] and his partnership with PJ [below right] is really something special. Their chemistry as a duo and with Laura has been tried and tested - it will be a real treat to bring them back together again this year. Add Janey and Danielle to the mix and this year’s panto is bursting with talent and star quality.
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“Panto is such a joyful celebration for all ages and it’s a great feeling to have Alan and the gang back in our beautiful theatre.”
Audiences at the panto can expect special effects, plenty of audience participation and a chance for audiences to come together and share the magic of live theatre as Covid restrictions ease.
Beauty and the Beast at HMT will run from Saturday, December 4, until Sunday, January 2, 2022. Tickets are on sale now and available at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
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