The cast of Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Cinderella delighted shoppers during the launch of this year’s Pantomime.

Excited families and shoppers met with the cast of the new pantomime production of Cinderella in the Mall Blackburn during a fun packed afternoon on Saturday, September 24.

Stars of this year’s panto, Linda Lusardi, Lucy Kane and JezO were joined by two very Ugly Sisters and dancers from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy.

This year’s panto also features Cinderella’s miniature ponies who were able to join in the fun in King William Street.

Lancashire Telegraph: Linda Lusardi with the miniature ponies on King William StreetLinda Lusardi with the miniature ponies on King William Street (Image: UGC)

Star of the stage and screen, Linda Lusardi, said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Cinderella this year and particularly as I am joined by my daughter Lucy Kane who is playing Cinderella.

“We’ve all had such a great time in Blackburn today and have been made so welcome, we can’t wait to see you all again at Christmas.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Linda Lusardi as the Fairy Godmother and her daughter Lucy Kane as Cinderella greeting shoppers in the Mall BlackburnLinda Lusardi as the Fairy Godmother and her daughter Lucy Kane as Cinderella greeting shoppers in the Mall Blackburn (Image: UGC)

Linda, who is playing the Fairy Godmother, told the Lancashire Telegraph how excited she was to finally play a nice character.

She said: “I’m normally the wicked queen or Maleficent, or the wicked character where I have to use my big deep voice and be really nasty.

“But this time I’m just sweet and nice and I love it because I get to wear this sparkly costume and the kids don’t boo you for once.”

Lancashire Telegraph: JezO as Buttons, and Colin Roberts and Mervyn Francis as the Ugly Sisters. Photo: Alexandria Slater, LTJezO as Buttons, and Colin Roberts and Mervyn Francis as the Ugly Sisters. Photo: Alexandria Slater, LT (Image: Alexandria Slater, LT)

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

The magician, who recently was named the UK’s Family Entertainer of the Year 2022, treated the crowds to free magic shows and the cast enjoyed meeting lots of shoppers to snap selfies and photos too.

Starring as Cinderella is singing sensation and Linda Lusardi’s daughter, Lucy Kane who wowed the judges during a blind audition on The Voice UK.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Lucy shared that audiences can expect to see a slightly different version of the Disney princess.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lucy Kane as Cinderella. Photo: Square CactusLucy Kane as Cinderella. Photo: Square Cactus (Image: Square Cactus)

She said: “I think if you think of princesses in fairy tales, you think of very quiet and sort of meek, mild women but I think it will be nice to play her a bit stronger, a little bit more bolshie – so that’s what I’m hoping to bring to this part.”

Professional panto dames Colin Roberts and Mervyn Francis will be playing the notorious parts of the particularly ugly sisters so are expected to bring endless laughs and entertainment to the show.

The pantomime show will be on from Saturday, November 26, through to December 31, 2022.

Blackburn Empire Theatre have been able to hold prices at the same level as recent years, with a Family Ticket at just £52 for all performances.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Blackburn Empire website or box office.