TV stars looking forward to panto in Derbyshire

Aladdin stars James Holmes, who plays Widow Twankey. He will be familiar to viewers as camp restaurant-owner Clive Evans in the award-winning comedy series Miranda.

Also starring is Kelsey-Beth Crossley, who will take the role of Princess Jasmine. Best known for playing the character of Scarlett Nicholls in Emmerdale for five years, Kelsey also appeared on the BBC’s popular singing competition The Voice last year.

Both actors are looking forward to meeting audiences at the Opera House this Christmas.

James has previously worked as a stand up comedian and is thrilled to be playing Dame for the first time. He said: “I’ve always wanted to do panto – it’s like a rite of passage – and I’ve been looking at iconic Coronation Street characters like Betty Turpin for inspiration.”

Kelsey-Beth Crossley admitted that she loves panto so much she always gets the ‘panto blues’ in January. She said: “I love the fact that the cast has as much fun as the audience during the show. I have a brilliant time when I’m in panto – so much so that I get upset when it’s all over.”

Buxton’s Christmas show is becoming one of the most popular seasonal events in the Midlands, with audiences travelling far and wide to enjoy a pantomime performance in the picturesque town, with its Grade II* listed Opera House.

Aladdin, a co-production between Buxton Opera House and CTP Pantomimes runs from Saturday, December 12, to Saturday, January 2.

Tickets are currently on sale from £17.50 - £22.50. To buy tickets or for more information call the box office on 01298 72190 or book online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk