PUSSYCAT Doll Melody Thornton says she cannot wait to come to Bolton to bring some star-studded magic to the town this Christmas.
The Albert Halls has today revealed it will be bringing Beauty and the Beast to the stage this Christmas.
Panto was cancelled in Bolton last year, but it is back to spread some festive cheer — and this year’s production promises to be a cracker of show retelling the enchanting classic children's story.
Melody, who headlined with the platinum award winning mega group before pursuing a solo career in both music and performing, will be playing the role of Fairy Fabulous.
Melody Thornton in Albert Halls festive show
She has become a familiar face in the UK have starred in the second series of E4’s smash hit ‘Celeb’s go Dating’.
Following this taste of Reality TV Melody took part in the gruelling Channel 5 favourite ‘Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls’ showing UK audiences that she wasn’t someone to be messed with.
In 2018 Melody swapped her heels for skates and glided into the cast of ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ finishing in a respectable 5th place.
The international star says she loves the UK and is excited to be returning to the stage at The Albert Halls Bolton.
Melody said: "I can’t wait to bring some pussycat doll magic as Fairy Fabulous this Christmas. I hope you’re ready for this, Bolton."
Beauty and the Beast festive production at the Albert Halls
Joining Melody this year is Bolton favourite Nick Newbould appearing as French Franc.
Nick is a seasoned pantomime performer with over 16 pantomime credits to his name.
Nick is also known for his work in the West End and touring work which includes ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and ‘All or Nothing’.
He also some impressive TV credits including ‘To have and to hold’ for the BBC and ‘All or nothing’ for ITV. Nick is currently filming his self-penned Sitcom ‘Booked’ in LA.
Also returning to Bolton for the first time since 1988 is Mark Two as Dame Dolly Doughnut.
Mark has spent many a Christmas on stage in a frock and this year he’s promising to ‘bring the bling’ with a whole new wardrobe for Dame Dolly Doughnut.
Mark has been performing for over 40 years and has worked with an illustrious catalogue of showbiz royalty including Danny Le Rue, Ken Dodd and Benny Hill.
Mark said: ‘I really missed performing last year and can’t wait to get back on stage for some much needed fun and frolics.
"Watch out men of Bolton - Dame Dolly is looking for a new husband and this year it could be you!’
Other cast members include Natasha Brooke as the evil Grimalkin, TV legend Dean Harris as Maurice, singing sensation Jordan Carr as Prince Luican/Beast and Bolton’s own Kelly Aaron as Belle.
The show has fun filled performances running throughout the Christmas holidays with plenty of audience participation.
Beauty and the Beast festive production at the Albert Halls
Audiences can boo the wicked Grimalkin, laugh along with French Franc and watch the Beast win the love of our Beauty in this heartwarming tale.
Advance bookings are already indicating that this show will break all previous box office records.
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “The Albert Halls Pantomime is one of the highlights of the year for audiences of all ages and always brings some big showbiz names to Bolton.
“The team did a great job with last year’s virtual panto but there is no substitute for a live atmosphere."
She added: “I’m sure everyone is excited to see Melody Thornton as the star of the show in Beauty and the Beast.
“The Albert Halls is definitely back in businesses and the pantomime is just one part of an outstanding line-up of shows in the weeks and months to come.”
A spokesman for Polka Dot, which is bring the show to Bolton, said: “Pantomime at The Albert Halls is a wonderful experience for the whole family - and the entire team at Polka Dot are thrilled to be returning to present this year’s spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast.
"This show promises to be the most spectacular ever staged at The Albert Halls with stunning scenery, dazzling costumes and some special Pussy Cat Doll magic!”
Performances of Beauty and the Beast run from Friday 27th November 2021 right through until 31st December 2021 with discounts for schools, families and party bookings.
To book your tickets visit www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls or call 0843 208 0500
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