BOSSES of a revamped theatre have said their diary is already filling up for the next 12 months as they prepare to kick off a brand new era of entertainment.

Darlington’s Hippodrome Theatre, formerly known as the Civic, closed last year for an £11.7m revamp including the installation of more seats and improvement to backstage areas to accommodate larger touring shows.

Preparations are now well underway for the theatre’s first pantomime of its new era – which this year will be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

But Lynda Winstanley, the theatre’s director, says they are already starting to plan for next year’s Christmas entertainment.

“We have got shows lined up until autumn next year, and we are even starting to talk about next year’s pantomime season,” she said.

“We have had people phone up who have never been here before, but when they see what we have done, they want to come.”

Ms Winstanley said the theatre remained a “landmark” for Darlington.
“The theatre has brought fantastic memories for all ages and we are very very fortunate that it has been saved for 110 years.

“People in Darlington have seen the project taking shape – what we have done is enhance what we already had to give it a real 21st century feel.”

Ms Winstanley was speaking at the launch of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which she described as a “really exciting day”.

Among those appearing in the show are former Blue singer and EastEnders actor Lee Ryan, Pop Idol contestant and West End performer Zoe Birkett, Coronation Street actor Eric Potts and comedian Liam Mellor.

The newly refurbished Hippodrome will be the first venue to host the production.

Later in the day, excited fans got the chance to meet the cast in the town’s Cornmill Shopping Centre.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ryan said: “I have done panto before and it was great fun, but I think this is going to be a bigger and better production.

“I am really into fantasy stories and I love watching all of the movies, especially Disney - I sit and watch it with my children all the time.”

The pantomime will run from December 9 to January 14. For more information, call 01325-405405 or email hippodrome.info@darlington.gov.uk