We've had a long wait for panto news this year, with much 'will he / won't he' speculation, wondering if another project might take precedence. But finally, a couple of weeks after Lee's final show as Billy Flynn in the fabulous UK tour of Chicago the Musical came the announcement we'd all been hoping for... Lee *would* be wearing tights again this Christmas!He will be playing the Prince in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs once more, last seen in Aberdeen for the 2018/19 panto season. This year's run is at the altogether easier-to-get-to New Wimbledon Theatre from 3rd to 31st December. I know Lee will appreciate being within commuting distance from home and I plan on thoroughly re-familiarising myself with the journey to a venue I last visited when Lee was there with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2016.
I'm delighted to see that Lee will star alongside Brenda Edwards as Spirit of the Pantomime - it seems they are destined to share a stage this year for more than the handful of shows they managed together in Chicago before Brenda broke her leg. They are joined by legendary panto dame Matthew Kelly as Snow White's nurse and TikTok sensation Hannah Lowther as Snow White.
UPDATE 27/09/2022:
Further casting announced today adds West End legend Ruthie Henshall as Wicked Queen, Dick and Dom, plus magician John Archer to an already star-studded line up.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said:
"Today we're proud to have announced the first of the all-star cast to appear in our New Wimbledon Theatre pantomime. As well as assembling a sensational cast, we're already working on creating a Christmas treat packed with spectacular special effects and comedy for the whole family to enjoy."
while Nick Parr, Theatre Director at New Wimbledon Theatre, said:
"I can't wait for audiences to return to panto in Wimbledon, the highlight of our year. With such a talented selection of performers and more to be announced - Brenda, Lee, Matthew, and Hannah really do ensure there is something for everyone this Christmas."
UPDATE 14/12/2022:Press night was on 6 December and the reviews are in - general concensus is that it's a Christmas cracker!
Booking details are below and there is good availability throughout the run. It's an ATG theatre, so if you plan on visiting more than once, you may wish to check out their ATG Membership scheme - at the moment this offers you early bird pricing (50% discount) during the first week of the run and for the final show on New Year's Eve (I'm not sure how long this offer will be available), plus other discounts, fee-free booking and 25% off drinks at the bar! From £35 a year (direct debit, otherwise £45), it soon earns its keep, especially if you're booking for a group.
SNOW WHITE
Saturday 3 December 2022 - Saturday 31 December 2022New Wimbledon Theatre
93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG
BOOK ONLINE or BY PHONE on 0333 009 6690
Published: 14/08/2022; last updated: 14/12/2022