FROM Janice Battersby to the Wicked Queen!

Hyndburn-born actress Vicky Entwistle has been revealed as one of the star performers to take to the stage of Blackpool’s historic Grand Theatre for the annual Christmas pantomime.

Vicky, who lives in the Ribble Valley, is best known for her role in Coronation Street and has performed in a number of stage productions ranging from Les Miserables to a talking parrot in the musical version of Doctor Doolittle and a cleaner in Dirty Dusting.

It’s 10 years since Vicky last performed at the iconic Blackpool Grand Theatre where she is reviving her former role as the Wicked Queen once again in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Vicky will join panto legend and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle for his annual performance at the theatre playing Muddles in the most wicked of pantomimes produced by Martin Dodd of UK Productions.

Vicky said: “It’s been a decade since I last appeared at Blackpool Grand Theatre and I can’t wait to take to the stage there once more.

“It’s a simply stunning venue and the crowds always get into the true spirit of pantomime so, after being off stage for so long now, I am really excited to be back and shouting ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall’ in one of my all-time favourite pantomime villain roles.”

One of Vicky’s last roles before lockdowns began, effectively closing the country’s theatres for over a year, was as Miss Prism at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre.

The Grand, like theatres across the country, was forced to cancel its festive shows last year due to the pandemic which has built up an added excitement for this year’s announcement.

Producer Martin Dodd said: “After a challenging year in theatre, we are just delighted to be back with a panto that goes from strength to strength, which is testament to the great cast, creative team and fantastic partnership with the Grand Theatre and of course the beautiful Grand Theatre itself.

“We promise to bring you a laugh out loud pantomime performance leaving you ‘happy’ not ‘grumpy’ at the end.”

Ruth Eastwood, chief executive of the Grand Theatre added: “Pantomime is one of the truly locally celebrated events that we are able to offer and the continuing and increasing support of our audiences must mean we are getting something right.”

The spectacular, fun-packed family pantomime will open its curtains on Friday, December 3 with 51 performances running throughout December and the first week of January.

Details from the box office on 01253 290 190 or visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk