The cast of Sunderland Empire’s 2023 production of Beauty and the Beast checked into Lumley Castle Hotel in Chester-Le-Street to launch the return of Wearside’s pantomime ahead of the festive season and reveal its cast.
Recently-announced North East actress Charlie Hardwick, starring as sugarplum sweet Fairy Bon Bon, was joined by the North East Queen of Comedy Miss Rory (Boulevard) as Rorina La Plonk alongside Tom Whalley as the ever-cheeky Louis La Plonk, both back for a fourth year by popular demand.
Children’s TV favourite Olivia Birchenough (Milkshake!) stars as the book-loving princess Belle with West End star Samuel Wyn Morris (Les Misérables) taking on the role of Beast.
Beauty and the Beast runs from December 8-31.