Whitley Bay panto day brings early festive cheer - and the promise of a wicked show to come

Actress and former model Linda Lusardi will be returning to the stage for the first time since lockdown when she takes on the role of The Wicked Queen in this year's pantomime at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.

And when Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens its run in December she will be making up for lost time with what is set to be a scarily good performance.

At an early media call at the theatre on Wednesday to promote this year's festive treat, in which her daughter Lucy Kane plays Snow White, Linda promised that her Wicked Queen will be exactly that.

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"I know some people who play The Wicked Queen play it light", said the star, "but I'm quite horrific - so be prepared because I am very wicked!"

Cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which is this year's festive treat at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay (Newcastle Chronicle)

The actress and her model daughter Lucy - who proved a hit in TV talent show The Voice in 2017 when she impressed Sir Tom Jones with a version of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? - were at the Whitley Bay theatre to meet fellow cast members - all in costume for a photo call.

Among them were the actors playing the seven dwarves and panto regular Steve Walls who this time plays Muddles in what will mark his 11th pantomime season there.

Linda Lursardi, who plays The Wicked Queen, with her Lucy Kane as Snow White (Newcastle Chronicle)

The cast of the panto - which is rescheduled from last year - also features Daniel Mawston as the Dame and he was there on Wednesday to show off his typically over-the-top outfit as Patsy the Cook.

The show is set to prove a huge hit with families who missed out on the traditional festive outing last year when pantomimes everywhere were cancelled due to the pandemic. And panto casts have missed them just as much.

Daniel Mawston as Patsy the Cook at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay (Newcastle Chronicle)

Linda added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be back on stage.

"It will be two years since I was last on stage and it's going to be great to see the kids and hear them screaming at me - I love to get the boos!"

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will run at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay from December 4 until January 2. For tickets see here.

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