THE FULL cast of this year’s brand-new production of Cinderella at Blackburn’s Empire Theatre has been revealed – and several have found TV fame.

Joining TV star and former page three model Linda Lusardi, who will play the Fairy Godmother, are a cast of performers and panto professionals who will make this the Empire’s biggest festive run ever.

Starring as Cinderella is singing sensation Lucy Kane, who rose to fame on The Voice.

 

Lancashire Telegraph: Lucy Kane will play Cinderella at the Blackburn pantomime Lucy Kane will play Cinderella at the Blackburn pantomime

Lucy, who is Linda Lusardi’s daughter, got everyone talking after wowing coaches on The Voice UK during her blind audition on the ITV show.

She more than held her own as she belted out a rendition of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, originally recorded by The Shirelles, and finally joined Tom Jones’ team after a battle between the judges.

Lancashire Telegraph: Linda Lusardi will play the Fairy Godmother Linda Lusardi will play the Fairy Godmother

Bringing comedy and magic to the family show is JezO, a multi-award-winning magician, comedy entertainer and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle.

His high-energy magic and illusions combined with his comedy skills this year saw him crowned as the 'UK’s Family Entertainer of the Year 2022' and his magical appearance on Britain’s Got Talent saw him gain the approval of the audience and judges.

Appearing as Buttons, JezO will be appearing in his 10th panto when he brings magic and mayhem to the Empire.

As everyone knows, it wouldn’t be Cinderella without the Ugly Sisters. This year we welcome Colin Roberts and Mervyn Francis as the cruel pair.

Lancashire Telegraph: Mervyn Francis (L) Colin Roberts (R) as the particularly ugly sisters. Middle is JezO who plays Buttons Mervyn Francis (L) Colin Roberts (R) as the particularly ugly sisters. Middle is JezO who plays Buttons

Both are professional panto dames and with Cinderella it means we’ll have double the fun.

That only leaves Prince Charming, and the actor filling that role will be announced at a later date.

Tom Rolfe, producers of this year’s panto at the Empire in Aqueduct Road, said: “We’ve got some amazing news regarding the key role of Prince Charming and we’d encourage everyone to follow the theatre’s social media pages, so you don’t miss news of this exciting opportunity when we announce it in early June.”

The magic begins on Saturday, November 26, and tickets are already on sale now and selling fast.

Visit the Empire Theatre's website to for tickets to get your ‘Invitation to the Ball’.

Cinderella – The Pantomime will run from Saturday, November 26, to December 31.
Tickets start at £12.50 and Family Tickets are also available.
Book online at the Empire's website or by calling the box office (Mon – Fri) between 10am to 12pm on 01254 685500.
School and group tickets are available and schools are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out.