The Theatre Royal have announced their cast for their 2017 pantomime Beauty and the Beast.
Sherrie Hewson, Andrew Ryan and Ben Nickless have been announced as the starts for the pantomime which starts from Saturday December 9 until Sunday January 14 2018.
Nottingham’s own Sherrie Hewson will lead the cast as Mrs Potty having previous presented Loose Women and appeared on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Crossroads and the Carry On films.
She also released her first novel The Tannery and her best-selling autobiography Behind the Laughter before leaving Loose Women in 2016.
Beauty and the Beast’s executive producer Jonathan Kiley said: “We’re very much looking forward to bringing the magic of Beauty and the Beast to the Theatre Royal Nottingham this year.
“To have the wonderful Sherrie, and the hilarious Andrew and Ben, leading our cast; we know this year’s production is a must see show.”
Impressionist and comedy actor Ben Nickless appeared on the TV series Let Me Entertain You alongside Brian Conley and Christine Bleakley.
Since then, he joined the comedy circuit and has played roles in a number of pantomimes with Beauty and the Beast set to be Ben’s fourth at the Theatre Royal.
Andrew Ryan will play the role of the dame in his 31st pantomime, his 27th year as the dame and his fourth appearance at the Theatre Royal.
He will also direct the production.
Jonathan Saville, Theatre Royal’s director of sales, marketing and development said: “Incredibly, we haven’t had a pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast since 1867, just before I joined the venue.
“This production will be a very welcome return of a much-loved classic 150 years since it last graced our stage.
“Andrew and Ben are very popular, familiar faces with our pantomime audience, so we’re all delighted to see them returning to us once again this year.
“Plus, with Sherrie being Nottinghamshire born and bred, I think it will feel a bit like one big, happy family reunion here at the Theatre Royal this Christmas!”
Tickets start from £18 with discounts for members, under 16s, families and Go Card holders and are available from the box office, via phone on 0115 989 5555 or online.