THE Empire Theatre in Consett has launched its pantomime for 2013 - Snow White.

The ever-popular show will be performed at the venue from Friday, December 6 to Tuesday, December 31 and follows last year's big success Cinderella.

It will star Leah Bell as Nanny McTwee and will feature North-East singer-songwriter Lorraine Crosby in her debut pantomime performance as The Wicked Queen Evil-ista.

Better known as Mrs Loud, she was the powerful female vocalist who sang on Meat Loaf’s smash hit single I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

Having been previously managed by writer and producer Jim Steinman, she has frequently toured with her own band throughout the UK and sold out concerts performing alongside the likes of Bonnie Tyler and local X Factor winner Joe McElderry at Newcastle City Hall.

She said: “We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Empire with Cinderella last year. The crowds were fantastic and we had such great support.

"It’s a wonderful theatre and I’m looking forward to be continuing to build on the success we’ve had so far, this time with the huge talent of Lorraine Crosby and with the fairytale story of Snow White for 2013.”

Other familiar faces who return to perform in this year’s pantomime include hip-hop dance duo Bionik Funk, son of the legendary skiffle singer Lonnie Donegan, Peter Donegan, and Harriet Povey in the title role.

New cast members include Peter Gange as Prince Stefan, and Lee Brannigan as Sir Rodney Plonker. For times and ticket details and booking visit at www.leisureworks.net or call 01207-218171.