Joanna Thorne has got her claws on the coveted lead role in Coventry Belgrade’s 2019 panto Puss in Boots—the first time it has been performed at the theatre since 1991.
She returns to the Belgrade after playing the prince in Sleeping Beauty in 2018 while Iain Lauchlan who takes the role of Dame Matilda Pudding will be marking 25 years in panto at the theatre.
With a career spanning more than 40 years in the entertainment industry, Lauchlan is best known as the writer of the BAFTA-winning television series The Tweenies. He has also worked on a range of other popular television shows including Playschool, Fingermouse, Playdays, Storytime and Fun Song Factory.
Lauchlan’s long-term comedy partner Craig Hollingsworth is also back and will play Matilda’s son Simon.
The cast also includes Miriam Grace Edwards as Princess Sophia, David Gilbrook as her father King Colin, Peter Watts as the ogre’s wicked henchman Victor Grabbit and Aimee Louise Bevan as the friendly Fairy Flutterby.
Completing the cast in ensemble roles will be Ema Astarloa, Dylan Jones and Daniel Teague who will be supported by a junior chorus of children aged from 9 to 16.
Puss in Boots will run at the Belgrade Theatre from Wednesday 27 November until Saturday 11 January 2020.