New Theatre Royal, Lincoln, announces cast for Christmas pantomime Snow White, including Olympian and X Factor star
An Olympian and X Factor favourite are set to star in a theatre’s Christmas pantomime.
The New Theatre Royal Lincoln (NTR) has unveiled the highly anticipated cast for its Christmas pantomine, Snow White.
The classic fairy tale is set to enchant audiences from Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, with the lineup of West End stars and TV personalities poised to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Headlining the cast is Olympic gymnast Louis Smith MBE, as the Huntsman.
A national treasure since his Olympic journey in 2008, he has continued to captivate audiences beyond the gymnastics arena, notably winning Strictly Come Dancing (2012) and The Masked Dancer (2021).
Louis said: “I'm thrilled to be back. I had an incredible experience doing panto last year, and Lincoln was so warm and welcoming. The audiences were fantastic, making my first panto experience truly unforgettable.
“I’m really excited to return to Lincoln and be welcomed back to the theatre. Lincoln has become my second home, and I can’t wait to dive back in, meet the new cast, and this time, play the good guy. Being the baddie was a lot of fun, and I got up to plenty of mischief, but now I’m ready to protect those in need. Snow White, Lincoln, get ready — I'm coming back very soon.”
The show’s namesake, Snow White herself, will be brought to life by Sophie Towns, who will return to the NTR stage after her debut as Alice in Alice in Wonderland (2018) and playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (2019).
She said: “I’m super excited to be back performing at the gorgeous NTR and of course honoured to be playing the role of Snow White. I grew up with this fairytale and it is by far my favourite. I’m excited to be in Lincoln at Christmas time as I have been here for Easter but never Christmas. So, I’m excited to be with my NTR family and I can’t wait to see all the lovely Lincoln audiences. Feels great to be back.”
They will be joined by television personality Amelia Lily, who will bring her signature charm and a touch of malevolence to the role of the Wicked Queen.
Amelia is known for her appearances on X Factor (2011) and Celebrity Big Brother (2017) and has starred in numerous touring and West End theatrical productions.
Pantomime favourite Patrick Monahan will also once again take to the stage, as the endearing Muddles.
Patrick is renowned in Lincoln as a frequent MC for the in-house Comedy Night at the theatre, and his impeccable comedic timing and warm connection delighted audiences as Buttons in Cinderella (2022).
Adding to the hilarity is Alex Singh, who will join the cast as the beloved housekeeper, Nurse Nelly, bringing his unique brand of comedy to this role, while Althea Burey will make her NTR debut as Fairy Forget-Me-Not.
NTR’s artistic director, Natalie Hayes-Cowley, is the producer, writer, and director of the panto, and will also make a special appearance as the Enchantress in the Mirror.
“The team and I are excited for this one, as alongside Cinderella, this is the fairytale pantomime,” said Natalie.
“Showcasing characters who have captured the hearts and minds of generations young and old, with that magical wonder of good and evil. It’s a story that has it all, with, as always, that added NTR twist.
“We are thrilled to welcome back our audience favourites, bringing powerhouse vocals, comedy skits, quick wit and more. I am very much looking forward to working with this talented bunch again, who alongside our professional dancers and junior ensemble, make up for what is sure to be an incredible festive season in Pantoland.”
