Mayor pops into Rochdale Panto

Date published: 26/12/2005

Rochdale Mayor, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, watched the  Rochdale Panto Babes in the Wood on Thursday 23 December and  went backstage to congratulate the cast on a fantastic show. Ashley thought the show was tremendous and was surprised that the theatre wasn't full. He said: "The Rochdale public should get behind their local panto which rivals any in the the North West for quality and talent, I will certainly be spreading the word around town."

Sue Devaney of Casualty fame plays Dizzy Dora. Colin Meredith dons his frock once more, as Nurse Nora Nightingale and Paul Oldham plays the lovable rogue Fleshcreep. This time he takes orders from the Sherrif of Nottingham played by a new face to Rochdale, Liverpool actor Roy Carruthers.

Caroline Kennedy is Rochdale's new principal boy and was chosen because of her fabulous singing range and extensive panto experience all over the UK.

Making her panto debut playing Fairy of the Forest is Emma Dears, who recently finished playing Mary Magdelene in the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

The cast is completed by two Rochdale children, Shannon Flynn and Lewis Greenwood, who play the babes Jack and Jill.

This production of Babes in The Wood includes the story of Robin Hood in his battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham and has the usual mix of audience participation and laughter for everyone.

The show runs until Monday 2 January and there are still good seats available. Visit the Panto web site at www.meredithproductions.co.uk and to book tickets call (01706) 710810.