Dame Judi Dench to star in Theatre Royal pantomime

Dame Judi Dench is to take on her first pantomime role as the voice of The Magic Mirror in the Theatre Royal’s production of “Snow White”.

The Life Patron and long-time supporter of the Bury St Edmunds playhouse described her role as her “idea of heaven”.

The pantomime runs from Friday, November 24, to Sunday, January 14, and she will be appearing alongside a star-studded cast.

She said: “It’s my idea of heaven, playing a part in pantomime and never having to leave home. I am thrilled to be making my pantomime debut in ‘Snow White’, who knows… next year they might make me a Dame.

“Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is absolutely beautiful and, as their Life Patron, I am so delighted to support the theatre in this way.”

Taking on the title role of Snow White is Lara Lewis, who most recently played the roles of Beryl, Hermione and Dolly in “Brief Encounter”.

The young princess isn’t sure she’s got what it takes to be queen but instead prefers improving her skills as an expert mechanic. Destined to be queen, what will it take to show her she can be Buryland’s next leader?

Beth Tuckey plays Lady Lucretia, the wannabe-Queen who does everything she can to fend off ageing; yoga, fad diets, skin care and attempting to murder her youngest relatives of course.

Tuckey last performed at Theatre Royal in their 2021 pantomime “Cinderella” as failed starlet and pushy-mum, Grizelda Grizzle.

Craig Painting will be playing the chaotic castle cleaner Dusty Crevice in his third consecutive year in pantomime at Theatre Royal, previously playing Sheriff of Nottingham in “The Legend of Robin Hood” (2022) and Miley Grizzle in “Cinderella” (2021).

Portraying Sir Nicholas of Norwich, the nervous neighbouring noble, is Zachary Pang.

“Snow White” will be Pang’s panto debut after graduating from Mountview, most recently performing in the short film “11 Million Bits Per Second”.

Happy-go-lucky servant and local scout leader Gladys the Groom will be played by Philippa Carson who played Carol in the hit TV series “Marriage” (BBC).

Peter Baker plays Grumble; a sneering snooty butler who is determined to make everyone’s business his business. 

Corky The Corgi, the mischievous palace pooch, brings life to the old palace corridors and is played by Lizzie Buckingham.

Upon the death of her father, Princess Snow White has inherited the throne of Buryland.

However, her wicked stepmother, Lady Lucretia, declares that Snow White is too young to lead and insists on serving as Queen until her stepdaughter turns 21.

Snow White is not sure she’s cut out to be Queen, she’s much more interested in fixing-up her prized Norton motorbike than ruling a kingdom.

But Lucretia has been consulting her magic mirror, a strange and ancient family heirloom which can only speak the truth.

The mirror warns Lucretia that Snow White is a threat to her plans to rule. So, on the morning of Snow’s 21st birthday, with the help of her accomplice Grumble, Lucretia attempts to kill the young princess.

Unable to go through with her orders, Grumble sends Snow White into Bradfield Woods where she meets a troupe of disaffected and delinquent scouts who have their own vendetta against Lucretia and are hell-bent on reaping revenge.

Can Snow White convince the scouts to give up their life of petty crime and help her in her hour of need? With the help of the fabulous Palace cleaner, Dusty Crevice, they form an unlikely team for an assault on the castle, to win back the crown and place the true heir on the throne.

Tickets, which cost £12, are on sale at the box office. Call 01284 769505, book online at https://theatreroyal.org/shows/snow-white/ or visit the theatre.