While political dwarfs might be in charge at Croydon Town Hall, seven dwarfs took over Croydon Central Library last week, accompanied by a pantomime dame and a wicked queen, as dozens of children were given a special reading session with the stars of this year’s Fairfield Halls panto.
Classy reading: Kellie Shirley and Jamie Steen, from the cast of Snow White, the Fairfield panto, gave children at Central Library a special treat last week
Jamie Steen, who plays Dame Dilly Donut in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Kellie Shirley, the Wicked Queen, delivered free reading sessions to more than 70 children at the library.
As well as enjoying a fairytale story, children visiting the library were able to ask questions of the stage stars and find out more about the magic of panto.
The Fairfield panto, staged in the world-famous Ashcroft Theatre, is being produced by leading musical theatre and panto producer UK Productions.
Martin Dodd, the show producer for UK Productions, said: “It was great to see such an enthusiastic turnout for our reading session at the Central Library. Encouraging children of all ages not just to enjoy the magic of live theatre but also the thrill of reading is a real privilege and a delight.”
Croydon’s own Kellie Shirley (EastEnders, Biff and Chip, Casualty) stars with panto regulars Steen, Charlie Guest returning to Fairfield Halls as Muddles, Mia Overfield as Snow White and Callum Connelly as Prince Percy.
With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a naughty nurse, a hilarious jester and the poisoned apple and magic mirror, it’s not to be missed!
This year’s panto run begins on Friday December 13, and will include a captioned performance (Friday December 27) and a relaxed performance (Friday January 3). Relaxed performances are adapted to welcome people of all ages. These include those who may have sensitivities to loud noise, sudden movement and bright lights. The performances may also suit people with learning difficulties, sensory communication disorders or who are neurodivergent.
The magic of panto: youngsters visiting Croydon Central Library had a special treat last week
“We look forward to welcoming everyone from Croydon and surrounding areas to this year’s spectacular production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Dodd said.
Jason Perry, Croydon’s £82,000 per year “wicked mayor”, managed to off his three penn’orth, calling the Fairfield Halls “our landmark venue” and saying that the panto is an “evergreen classic and Christmas treat”.
Panto villain Perry would not deny that he has plans to appear in next year’s production, going one better with the eight dwarfs from his council cabinet, before they really bring the curtain down on the borough. We cannot wait!
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