TV show pair starring in panto

An actress from a classic BBC comedy show and a soap veteran will be taking to the stage for this year's pantomime at a Telford theatre.

This year's show at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place will be a version of the enchanting tale Beauty and the Beast.

Sue Hodge, who is best known for playing barmaid Mimi in more than 60 episodes of 'Allo 'Allo, will be treading the boards as "wonderfully wicked" Witch Hazel.

She has also starred in the stage adaptation of the BBC show, and the one-off special in 2004. She has also appeared in The Rocky Horror Show, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the 1985 Terry Gilliam film Brazil.

Soap veteran Richard Calkin will be appearing as the villainous Gaston. Most recently, Richard has graced teatime television screens as troubled dad Richard Taylor in Channel 4's Hollyoaks.

He has also appeared in EastEnders, Brookside, Hotel Babylon, and Secret Diary of a Call Girl opposite Billy Piper.

Richard also has an extensive stage background, having appeared in West End shows such as 42nd Street, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Miss Saigon.

The panto also stars the comedian and impressionist, Paul Squire, as Professor Crackpot.

Barry Ryan English is coming back to Telford to play the Beast, having enjoyed a successful run last Christmas playing Prince Charming in Cinderella.

Tickets are on sale from the box office on (01952) 382382 visit www.theplacetelford.com