ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MARLOWE THEATRE WILL BE OFFERING TWO CHRISTMAS SHOWS THIS YEAR, WITH THE 2025 PANTOMIME SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS IN THE MAIN HOUSE AND AN ADAPTATION OF AESOP’ S FABLE HARE AND TORTOISE IN THE MARLOWE STUDIO.

Miranda and Strictly Come Dancing star Sarah Hadland is topping the billing this year, playing the Wicked Queen.

A beloved comedy actress, Sarah is best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in BBC One’ s BAFTA-nominated comedy sitcom Miranda, and as one of the original cast members of CBBC’ s Horrible Histories. Sarah has also had roles in the BBC drama Waterloo Road, Mitchell and Webb’ s sketch show That Mitchell and Webb Look, and the 2008 James Bond epic Quantum of Solace. Sarah recently triumphed as a contestant on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, reaching the final with partner Vito Coppola.

Speaking about her new role, Sarah said:“ I am so ready to be the Wicked Queen in the Marlowe’ s pantomime this year! It’ s so exciting to join this award-winning team and bring some Christmas magic to Canterbury.”

Joining the Strictly runner-up in this magical pantomime will be CBeebies’ Mister Maker Phil Gallagher – back by popular demand for his seventh year – and Marlowe legend Ben Roddy( Dame of the Year, Pantomime Awards 2024), who is returning for his seventeenth year. Marc Pickering( Best Supporting Artist, Pantomime Awards 2024) also returns to the Marlowe pantomime, with further casting due to be announced.

Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy( Best Script, Pantomime Awards 2024) and produced by the Marlowe Theatre and Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team behind the five-star box office smash-hits Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.

Over in the Marlowe Studio, Hare and Tortoise will be running from Friday 12 to Wednesday 31 December 2025.

This charming adaptation of Aesop’ s fable is brought to life by Tutti Frutti Productions, with fun, live music, unforgettable songs and delightful characters.

It tells the story of two unlikely friends, the hare and the tortoise, who meet for the greatest race on earth. A nail-biting, seconds-ticking, medal-winning contest to decide who is the quickest: the excitable hare or the wise tortoise.

The story bursts to life in sunny spring, moves through a playful summer and ends in the snowy frost of winter. This joyful tale of friendship, music and one very famous race is perfect for families and children and recommended for ages three upwards.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is proudly sponsored by Southeastern Railway and Walker Construction.

To book tickets to either of the shows, please visit the website or call the Box Office on 01227 787787.

marlowetheatre. com marlowetheatre

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