Col. Dame Kelly Holmes makes her panto debut this year
An evil ringmaster, a lion tamer, a clown and their circus chums rolled into town this week to officially launch Theatre Royal Plymouth’s 2023 pantomime!
Panto fans are already eagerly snapping up tickets for Goldilocks and the Three Bears which will begin its month-long run at TRP from Friday 15 December 2023. It will be on stage until Saturday 13 January 2024.
The show is being produced by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes.
This spectacular pantomime stars double Olympic champion Col. Dame Kelly Holmes as the Ring Mistress Olympia. The athlete extraordinaire-turned-TV commentator will be making her pantomime debut this year.
Col. Dame Kelly Holmes as the Ring Mistress Olympia. Image: TRP.
‘I am a mix of excitement and nerves,’ she says. ‘I’ve done nothing that compares to panto ever in my life but I’m looking forward to working with this cast, they’re a great bunch of people.’
Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell is donning the costume of our heroine, Goldilocks. Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Brendan Cole will be playing the role of as the rival ringmaster, Baron Von Bolshoi, set on ruining Goldilocks’ Big Top.
Panto-goers will also be treated to performances by local legend and West End star Samuel Holmes as Larry the Lion Tamer, Britain’s Got Talent ventriloquist Steve Hewlett as Silly Billy and Panto Pro Adam C Booth as Joey the Clown.
The cast met for the first time at the theatre on Wednesday, adorned in grand costumes and in full character.
The ultimate family friendly show
The production, which features stunning sets and costumes from The London Palladium, is a twist on the original tale and is the ultimate family friendly show this festive season.
Col. Dame Kelly Holmes won’t be alone in treading the panto boards of tradition for the first time as British Soap Award winner Alexandra Mardell is also setting out in her maiden pantomime role.
‘I’m really excited,’ she says. ‘The nerves are there as it’s my first panto and it’s a new challenge, but I can’t wait to get stuck in. Everybody loves panto, bring the family, it’s going to be amazing. This is my first time in Plymouth and can’t wait for this to be my new little home.’
No stranger to the world of panto is professional dancer and Dancing on Ice finalist Brendan Cole.
‘I love being on stage and this production in particular has come from the London Palladium. To be involved in it is something very special. I’m going to cherish every moment and every boo I get.’
The plot is guaranteed to see families united in their love of Goldilocks as she finds her circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner.
With the help of her circus friends (and the audience) she sets out to battle to rescue the Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Members of the cast for Goldilocks and the Three Bears outside Theatre Royal Plymouth. Image: TRP.
