Don't miss 'The Magic Mirror' with the one and only Ricky Thomlinson, this Easter!

LHK Productions and the Epstein Theatre has announced an additional name to their Easter pantomime cast, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. Liverpool actor and comedian Ricky Thomlinson will feature in the role of The Magic Mirror in the guise of Jim Royle.  Producer Lee Kelly has already confirmed The Apprentice and Celebrity Big Brother star James Hill in the title role, who will leave the boardroom to tread the boards at The Epstein Theatre for the very first time. The show also stars local actress Georgia Austin to the role of Snow White, TV and Radio presenter, Debi Jones, who makes a welcome return to the stage as the Wicked Queen. Meanwhile, Liverpool favourite, Michael Chapman will return as the hilarious panto dame!  Ricky is probably best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside and the lazy but loveable Jim Royle in the The Royle Family. His acting credits span over 30 years and include many more comedy and dramatic roles such as the lead character in Mike Bassett: England Manager, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker, and the poignant portrayal of John Glover, father of Hillsborough victim Ian, in the Jimmy McGovern drama Hillsborough.  In the role of The Magic Mirror, Ricky will appear in 27 performances as TV favourite Jim Royle from The Royle Family, the TV slob and couch potato will be declaring:- "Who is the fairest of them all."

On joining the show Ricky Thomlinson said:- "I am delighted to be part of the Easter Panto with LHK Productions, it is a perfect starring role for me, I appear in 27 performances and don't even need to leave my comfortable, trusty armchair! Remote at the ready, this is going to be a barrel of fun."

Producer Lee Kelly said:- "We are absolutely thrilled that Ricky has decided to be filmed to play the Magic Mirror, this really is the icing on the cake of what is already a fabulous cast for our Easter Panto, Snow White. It is going to be hilarious to have Jim Royle pop up from his sofa, vest and all throughout the show!"

Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs will play at the Epstein Theatre, from 24 March 2016 to the 6 April 2016. The show promises to deliver the same mix of fun and traditional pantomime with a fresh and current twist which LHK Productions are famous for. Complete with sensational songs, stunning choreography, the panto will feature poisoned apples, magical mirrors, a brilliant cast and, of course, a sprinkling of panto magic…  This timeless tale, and 1 of the nation's favourite pantomimes, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tells the story of a beautiful princess whose vain and jealous stepmother is hell bent on getting rid of her and becoming:- "the fairest of them all."

After fleeing the kingdom to escape the Wicked Queen's evil plans, Snow White seeks refuge with seven dwarfs in their cottage in the forest. Taking pity on poor Snow White, the dwarfs allow her to stay with them until a wicked spell is cast which only true love can conquer.  Snow White runs for 27 magical performances and will be the un-missable Easter event 2016. So book your tickets now for the most enchanting panto in the land.   Call:- 0844 888 4411, visit the Theatre website or better still book in person at the Box Office to get your ticket to one amazing show!

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company support ABBA Tribute charity concert

A charity concert which proved a hit last year will return to the Villa Marina in July, with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.  The acclaimed tribute performers ABBA Reunion delighted an audience of more than 600 people with renditions of some of the biggest disco hits of the 1970's and 1980's last time they visited. They were so popular organiser Marc Lowey has arranged a return trip.  Last year's show raised £5,500 for South Douglas Old Friends Association, which will also benefit from the concert in July. Once again, the Steam Packet Company is helping by assisting with the group's travel.  Tickets for the show, which is on 23 July 2016, are available now from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.  The evening will start with a performance by Ian Thompson before ABBA Reunion bring the classic songs of the legendary Swedish group to the stage. Afterwards there will be a disco for people aged 18 and over only, where Legislative Council member and former MHK David Cretney will DJ.  Organiser Marc Lowey said:- "Last year ABBA Reunion put on a great show which everyone really enjoyed, and the evening raised a huge amount for the charity. It was so popular we simply had to arrange for the group to return, and I'm sure everyone will be looking forward to recapturing that fantastic party atmosphere again in July, as well as raising money for South Douglas Old Friends Association. I'm so grateful for the ongoing assistance of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, as well as all our other sponsors including Jaks Bar and Steak House, 3FM, Raymonds B&B and Cannell Print. This show is only possible because of their tremendous support."  Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added:- "Last year's show raised a wonderful amount for the charity as well as giving everyone who went along a brilliant night out. I hope this year's concert is even more successful, and we are pleased to be able to help again."