It's Christmas panto time - oh yes it is!

The cast of this year’s offering, Beauty and the Beast, visited the theatre in full costume to promote the show this week.

The ‘tale as old as time’ will see Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness lead the cast alongside seasoned West End performer Michael Neilson as Dame Dolly.

“I’m terribly excited to be back here, I love Torquay,” said Sue, who played Boycie's wife Marlene in the 1980s BBC sitcom.

“I first played the Princess Theatre in 2010 when I was in Calendar Girls and we absolutely loved it. We had the happiest run here.

“I live in Windsor right on the Heathrow flight path. You notice the difference in the noise when you come to the seaside and the fresh air you get. It’s just stunningly beautiful in Torquay.”

Sue, who was jetting off to film the hit TV show The Madame Blanc Mysteries after coming to Torquay, is playing Malevolent in the festive production.

“I’m looking forward to the panto,” she said.

“I love the joy of hearing the laughter from little ones in the audience, it’s a wonderful sound.”

She’s thrilled to be reunited with Michael Neilson, who she has worked with before.
Michael is best known for the role of Dean Martin in The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas in London’s West End. Other West End credits include South Pacific, Blood Brothers and Oliver!

He loves coming to Torbay and has strong links to the area.

“It’s like a second home to me,” he joked.

“My wife Gael is from Goodrington and my mother-in-law was the headteacher at Eden Park Primary school, Brixham, for more than 40 years

“I know the whole area very well and it’s good to be back.”

The panto, which is produced by Jordan Productions, features all the traditional nods including magic, music and plenty of comedy and fun!

Tickets are on sale now.

Beauty and the Beast runs from December 9 to 31.