Antony Costa has stepped in to replace Gyasi Sheppy as the Prince in Leicester De Montfort Hall’s panto Snow White.
Sheppy had to step down due to an unforeseen family emergency. Former member of chart-topping band Blue Costa has spent more than a decade appearing in pantomime.
He said, “I thought I might have a year off this year. But in Pantoland, anything can happen. I couldn’t be happier to step into the role of the Prince in Snow White. It’s a part I know well, and joining the sensational cast at De Montfort Hall is a real Christmas treat for me. Panto is the perfect way to kick off the festive season, and I can’t wait to share the magic with Leicester audiences.”
Tony Flint, venue director at De Montfort Hall, added, “as ever with theatre and live performance, you can expect the unexpected, so we’re delighted Antony has been able to come in at the eleventh hour to make sure we put on a fantastic show which we know Leicester audiences will love. He’s a true panto hero.”
While Costa prepares for his role, choreographer and understudy Stuart Rogers will perform as Prince, with Costa taking over from Tuesday 17 December.
The cast also includes Divina De Campo, Leicestershire singer Sam Bailey, dame Jack Ballard, Jarred Christmas, Tash Bacarese-Hamilton and an ensemble comprising Amy-Rose Gordon, Maddie McGawley, Emmanuel Duarte, Euan Libaudiere, Leo Udvarlaky, Lucy Holcroft, Lydia Lloyd and Nathan Purnell.
Snow White will run until 5 January 2025.