PANTO fans are being urged to book now for this year’s new show at the

Empire Theatre in Consett.

Cinderella, produced and directed by Leah Bell, who is also starring as Mrs Bellie Buttons, will run at the venue from December 2-31.

A talented cast includes North-East singer-songwriter Lorraine Crosby, who was the female vocalist on Meat Loaf’s 1993 hit single ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’.

Returning to the stage after her role as the Evil Queen in Snow White in 2013 and as Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty in 2016, Ms Crosby will play Baroness Beyonce-Hardup, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother.

Ms Bell said: “I’m very excited to be back for my seventh year in Consett with what I’m sure will be yet another record breaking pantomime.

“Every year the crowds seem to get bigger and bigger and we always try to bring plenty of new surprises to the production.”

Britain’s Got Talent’s hip-hop breakdancing duo Soner Dogan and John Herald, otherwise known as Bionik Funk are back together as energetic characters Sir Justin Belieber and Sir Dustin Retriever.

Tickets cost £16, £14 concessions, and can be booked by calling 01207-218-171.