The cast of the brand-new production of Cinderella at Blackburn Empire Theatre officially launched their Pantomime with a visit to Blackburn Town Centre this weekend.
Excited families and shoppers met with the cast in the Mall Blackburn during a fun packed afternoon.
Stars of this year’s panto, Linda Lusardi, Lucy Kane and JezO were joined by two very Ugly Sisters and dancers from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy. This year’s panto also features Cinderella’s miniature ponies who were able to join in the fun on King William Street.
JezO, who recently won “UK’s Family Entertainer of the Year 2022”, treated the crowds to free magic shows and the cast enjoyed meeting lots of shoppers to snap lots of selfies and photos too.
Star of stage and screen, Linda Lusardi, told us:
“It’s not my first visit to Blackburn, as I used to rehearse in the Blackburn Ice Arena when I was a contestant on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
“I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Cinderella this year and particularly as I am joined by my daughter Lucy Kane who is playing Cinderella.
“We’ve all had such a great time in Blackburn today and have been made so welcome, we can’t wait to see you all again at Christmas.”
All about this year’s pantomime
Linda Lusardi, who will play the Fairy Godmother is joined by a cast of performers and panto professionals who will make this the Empire’s biggest festive run ever.
Starring as Cinderella is singing sensation Lucy Kane. Lucy, who is Linda Lusardi’s daughter, got everyone talking after wowing coaches on The Voice UK during her blind audition on the ITV show. She more than held her own as she belted out a rendition of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, originally recorded by The Shirelles and finally joined Tom Jones’ team after a battle between the judges.
Bringing comedy and magic to the family show is JezO, a multi-award-winning magician, comedy entertainer and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. His high-energy magic and illusions with powerful comedy skills, this year saw him crowned as the “UK’s Family Entertainer of the Year 2022” and his magical appearance on Britain’s Got Talent saw him gain the approval of the audience and judges. Appearing as Buttons, JezO will be appearing in his 10th panto when he brings magic and mayhem to the Empire.
As everyone knows, it wouldn’t be Cinderella without the Ugly Sisters. This year we welcome Colin Roberts and Mervyn Francis as the particularly ugly sisters. Both are professional panto dames and with Cinderella it means we’ll have double the fun.
Tickets are on sale now, and the Empire Theatre, are pleased to have been able to hold prices at the same level as recent years, with a Family Ticket at just £52 for all performances.
This year, the panto will feature a range of special performances including:
Meet Cinderella’s Magical Pony after the show: Saturday 3rd December 5pm
Relaxed Performance: Sunday 11th December 5pm
BSL Signed Performance: Sunday 18th December 5pm
School Performances start on Thursday 24th November and public performances begin on Saturday 26th November and run all the way through to 31st December 2022. The full run includes around 60 performances.Tickets are available online at blackburnempire.com or by phone on 01254 685500 (Monday to Friday 10am to 12noon) and in person at the box office on Aqueduct Road, Blackburn during the same hours.