CBeebies star Katy joins Princess panto cast

The multi-talented Katy Ashworth will be one of stars of the Torbay panto season, as she brings a unique flavour to the classic tale, Beauty and the Beast, which will run at the Princess Theatre In Torquay from December 9 – 31.
This year's pantomime marks the first time in 20 years that the Torquay venue has hosted a brand new pantomime production. It will also be the first time ever that Beauty and the Beast has been performed as a panto at the Princess Theatre.
Jordan Productions promises a show filled with live music, stunning sets, slick choreography, dazzling costumes, audience participation and non-stop panto fun. The production brings together an all-star cast of pantomime veterans and fan favourites.
Beloved British actress, TV presenter and producer Katy Ashworth joins the cast as Fairy Formidable. Ashworth is best known as the host of the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show “I Can Cook” and as the face of CBeebies.
Also starring is Sue Holderness of "Only Fools and Horses" fame as the delightfully wicked Malevolent. Holderness will be joined by comedian and entertainer Michael Neilson as Dame Derriere, Kevin James as Potty Pierre, Hannah Everest as Belle, and Benjamin Purkiss as the cursed Prince/Beast.
In true panto fashion, the story promises a villain audiences will love to boo, fun-filled gags from the good guys, and a courageous heroine who just may be able to break the beastly spell. All while Dame Dotty and son Potty Pierre cause chaos at the castle!
"We are absolutely thrilled to unveil this special new production of Beauty and the Beast for families this Christmas," said a spokesperson for the Princess Theatre. "With its sparkling sets filling our stage, hundreds of lavish costumes and show-stopping musical numbers, this pantomime extravaganza promises to be our most spectacular yet. We can't wait to transport audiences into the magical world of Beauty and the Beast and bring this heart-warming story to life in a way that hasn’t been seen on our stage before.”
The Princess Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast runs from 9-31 December 2023. Tickets available now at ATGTICKETS.COM/Torquay