THAT’S WICKED!:

Producers of a Snow White pantomime are happy – after an ‘almost unprecedented’ 10,000 tickets were sold. Some performances of the panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre – featuring pop star Maureen Nolan as the Wicked Queen – have already come close to selling out ahead of opening night on December 10. Maureen, currently starring in hit show The Nolans Go Cruising on Channel 5, said: “I’m so excited to hear that everyone in Stafford is getting their tickets to see the panto.

“I did some rehearsals at the Gatehouse over the summer and it’s a great theatre in a lovely town.

“If you haven’t got your tickets yet, get them quickly – you’ll have a wicked time.” Joining Maureen in the cast are Cbeebies star Rebecca Keatley and the West End’s Keith Jack, who found fame on TV’S Any Dream Will Do.

Coronation Street’s Sean Mckenzie, who plays Trevor Monton in the soap, is also in the line-up, along with The Sooty Show’s Wink Taylor and the star of children’s TV show, Theo The Mouse.

Manager Tim Ford said there are a number of reasons for the tickets demand.

He said: “Firstly, it’s a great show. We’ve got a fantastic script and a fabulous cast so we know Stafford is in for a very special treat this Christmas to make up for missing last year. “The Gatehouse at Christmas is a very special place and panto always brings families together. It’s a real treat for us to see generations of families all out having a great time together. “To have sold 10,000 tickets in October is almost unprecedented and we can’t wait for the curtain to go up on the first night.” Maureen is pictured left. Below, front of house manager Gary Stevens and marketing assistant Jessica Horton.

■ Snow White, starts on December 10 and runs until New Year’s Eve.

For tickets or further information, contact the Gatehouse Theatre on 01785 619080 or www. staffordgatehousetheatre. co.uk