PANTOMIMES are for Christmas — oh not they are not!

Just ask Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson who will take to the stage at the Albert Halls next month to play the prince in Rapunzel, starring alongside popular children’s television Olivia Birchenough.

George, who won the television contest with his Singing in the Rain street dance routine said: “This is my second panto at ‘Easter’ and I’m very excited, I did my first one last year and I was wearing tights and did Robin Hood and am excited to be wearing tights again!

“I’m excited to be in Bolton and it’s nice back up north. This is my seventh panto and this is the first time I am playing the prince, I usually play Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk or Aladdin, characters little boys want to be and Rapunzel is a little girl’s pantomime, so many girls want to be Rapunzel, and I’m excited to be the prince.”

He added: “I loved panto as a kid and used to go and it’s nice that kids come and believe in the magic. I love Bolton, I love the people. I think the people are going to enjoy it and they can expect a good show.”

George said people would see some of his moves: “I am hoping that there is going to be a bit of leniency with choreography so I can sort of do what I do because I think the audience want to see me spinning and flipping all over the place, that is what I enjoy doing and like to do.”

Olivia says she would love to see pantos throughout the year. She said: “It’s a great way of getting kids into the theatre and it’s brilliant in my eyes. I’m adding a new Disney princess to the list for me and getting kids on the seats is a joy to see, they can expect songs, fun and a whole lot of laughter.”

The cast will be joined by Bolton actor Yvonne Patterson, playing Horabella and fans of the Christmas drama Death Comes to Pemberley will recognise Tam Ryan who plays Chester the Jester.

Yvonne said: “Christmas isn’t Christmas without a panto. Now Easter is not Easter without a pantomime. I live here and it’s a great venue. It’s great fun and I love playing the baddie.”

Assistant director for community services, Donna Ball, said: “We are inviting parents to let down their hair and let us entertain the kids for a couple of hours. Rapunzel is the perfect family treat in the run up to Easter and will feature great songs, fantastic costumes and lots of laughs.

“I am delighted that we are welcoming such a strong cast to the recently-refurbished Albert Halls and Rapunzel is just the latest addition to our programme since we re-opened.”

Performances are11am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm, March 17. Tickets are £16 adults, £14 concessions and £54 for a family of four from www.quaytickets.com or 0843 208 0500.