The cast of this year's pantomime gathered together at the Darlington Hippodrome theatre for the first time yesterday (Monday, September 16) as preparations for the beloved annual show start in earnest. The cast this year is headed by singer, actor and musical theatre star Lee Mead, who plays Prince Lee of Longnewton, and pantomime legend Su Pollard as Carabosse the wicked fairy. The line-up is completed by Josh Benson as Muiddles and Jamie Jones as Nellie Nightnurse - both appearing in the Darlington panto for the second consecutive year - and Stephanie Costi as Princess Aurora.
Dame Jamie Jones, Lee Mead, Su Pollard, Josh Benson and Stephanie Costi who are starring in Sleeping Beauty at Darlington Hippodrome (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Pollard, most famous for playing Peggy Ollerenshaw in the sitcom Hi-de-Hi, is performing in her 49th pantomime. She was inducted into the Pantomime Hall of Fame in 2019 and was honoured with an outstanding achievement award by the UK Pantomime Association last year. She has had a sneak preview of this year's script, which she says is "fabulous" and is already looking forward to hearing the audience's reaction when she appears on stage.
"I just think it's so lovely when that audience boo and scream and yell out," she said. "I shout 'I can't hear you' - I like them to scream until they're hoarse." Pantomime legend Su Pollard will be taking part in her 49th production of the festive theatre favourite (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) She said she will keep .