Panto cast join in the fun for Middleton lights switch on

Waiting for Santa in Middleton Shopping Centre, Sleeping Beauty’s ‘Wicked Queen’ Nikki Kelly with ‘Princess Aurora’ Rachel Cole and ‘Muddles’ Fabian Hartwell.

The cast from Sleeping Beauty took time out from rehearsal to help celebrate the arrival of Christmas with the switching on of the lights in Middleton.

A busy town centre enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment on the Revolution Radio stage with free mulled wine and mince pies from Middleton Rotary.

'Prince' Alastair Natkiel, the ex Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star, joined the show's producer Mark Andrews to lead a fun singalong on the stage with local children.

Hi-de-Hi star Nikki Kelly, who plays the Wicked Queen in the Panto, took to the stage again later in the afternoon to be part of the big switch on, ending in a roaring chorus of the Slade festive favourite ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’.

Nikki said: “It was a lovely crowd and a really great atmosphere. The whole cast is looking forward to opening and to giving Middleton a really fantastic family show."

Three lucky members of the audience won a free family ticket for the pantomime.

Tickets are on sale now from the Middleton Arena box office on 0161 662 4020. They are also available online at www.seetickets.com or on the 24 hour ticket line 0870 264 3333.

The man responsible for bringing the show to the stage, Mark Andrews said: “I think this will be our best show ever. It’s a big show with a great cast and we are loving being in the fantastic surroundings of the new Middleton Arena.”

Sleeping Beauty opens on Friday 4 December and runs until 27 December, with special performances on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.