Coronation Street star brings mischievous charm to Derby Arena panto
Wendi Peters – who played Coronation Street loudmouth Cilla Battersby-Brown – will star in Derby Arena’s panto this year.
No stranger to captivating audiences with her mischievous charm, Wendi’s four year stint as much-loved (and sometimes hated) Cilla established her as a master of outrageous behaviour.
She will bring her talents to bear on the role of villainous Queen Rat in Dick Whittington. Wendi said: “I’m excited to be bringing my scheming panto magic to Derby. I’m also looking forward to getting to know Derby!”
Beyond the cobbles, Wendi’s extensive screen credits include Doctors (BBC1), Hetty Feather (BBC), Midsomer Murders (ITV), and Bad Girls (ITV). Her impressive stage career includes a hugely successful national tour of Sister Act The Musical.
Award-winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment, the creative force behind Derby’s smash-hit pantomimes, have unveiled this year’s sparkling cast.
Derby's multi award-winning panto dame Morgan Brind will play Sarah the Cook.
Local favourite Kristian Cunningham, who charmed audiences as Buttons in last year’s Cinderella and in the title role of Aladdin (2022), returns as Dick Whittington.
Nicola Martinus-Smith, who shone as Dandini in Cinderella, and Princess Jasmin in Aladdin returns as the magical Fairy Bow Bells.
Roddy Peters also makes a very welcome return to Derby Arena after his scene-stealing turn as one of the infamous Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, and a memorable run as Baron Wasteland in Mother Goose. He will play The Alderman in this year’s production.
Producers Alan Bowles and Morgan Brind, of Little Wolf Entertainment, said: “We’re hugely excited to welcome Wendi Peters to the cast this year. Her vast experience across stage and screen, and particularly in pantomime, makes her the perfect Queen Rat.
“We’re equally thrilled to welcome back some much-loved faces who our loyal audiences are going to adore. Dick Whittington promises to be our most purrr-fect show yet!”
Dick Whittington runs from December 5 to 31 at Derby Arena. Tickets are on sale now, with prices from £24 to £39. Concessions are available along with British Sign Language, relaxed, audio described and captioned performances.
Book online at www.derbylive.co.uk, by phone on 01332 255800, or in person at the Sales and Information Centre, Chapel Street Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Derby.