‘This princess is going to be a bit cheeky…’
EastEnders actor excited ahead of month-long run of shows
Panto season will be here quicker than you can say “he’s behind yoooou!” and Maidstone’s Hazlitt theatre is staging Christmas classic Sleeping Beauty.
Taking on the lead role is 27-year-old Louisa Lytton.
Best known for playing Ruby Allen in EastEnders, Louisa has starred in a range of TV shows but is happy to be back treading the boards.
She said: “I trained in theatre and I have done a lot of live shows. I love it, and it’s probably what I prefer over TV and film, as you get a different feeling from the live audience.
“I’ll be playing a princess all over Christmas which is every young girl’s dream. I am used to being cast as Peter Pan so this year playing a girl will be really fun.”
She added: “I think this princess is going to be a bit cheeky. There’s going to be a lot of dancing.”
Joining the 27-year-old as Evil Queen will be Maid- stone’s very own Bethany Black.
The former Invicta Grammar and Cranbrook School pupil is thrilled to return after performing all over the world in varied roles.
She said: “I live in London now and it’s lovely to come back home – lots of fresh air and green fields.
“My family and friends will be there and that’s really exciting.”
While Louisa is happy to finally wear the princess dress, Bethany is equally pleased to be embracing her darker side.
“Last year I played a fairy so it’s definitely better to be playing someone a bit scarier,” she explained.
“I’m very, very excited at meeting lots of new faces and performing in a big panto here in Maidstone.”
The cast will have two weeks of rehearsals before a month-long run, which starts on Friday, December 2.