Charlie's their darling in Sunderland

"The canniest panto in the North East" has been given a makeover for 2023 at Sunderland Empire.

North East actress and star of Emmerdale and Ackley Bridge, Charlie Hardwick, is set to join this year’s Beauty and the Beast in the role of Fairy Bon Bon from December 8–31.

Joining her is Channel 5 Milkshake! TV favourite Olivia Birchenough as bookworm Belle and West End star Samuel Wyn-Morris (Les Misérables) as the monstrous Beast.

North East Queen of Comedy, Miss Rory (Boulevard) brings glamour as Rorina La Plonk along with Wearside panto comic Tom Whalley, reinvented as Louis La Plonk.