Today Hackney Empire announces the full cast of its much-anticipated 2014 pantomime, the return of Mother Goose starring Clive Rowe. For the first time in six years the casting reunites some of Hackney's most-loved performers. Director Susie McKenna will this year take to the stage as evil sorceress Vanity, alongside last year's Puss in Boots Kat B, who will play Billy Goose. They join previously announced grande dame of pantomime Clive Rowe, reprising his Olivier Award-nominated title role and marking his 10th appearance in the show and Olivier Award-winning Sharon D Clarke, playing the good enchantress Charity.
Susie McKenna bites the bullet and gives a Puss in Boots that stays loyal to its complicated French story but still incorporates all the traditions of its madcap English format. It's a packed show, coming in at just over two and a half hours - fortunately the pace doesn't let up and the audience goes home well entertained having had their money's worth.
Here are the first images from Hackney Empire's 2013 pantomime Puss in Boots. The iconic London pantomime is written and directed by Susie McKenna who celebrates her 15th Hackney pantomime this year.
Hackney Empire has just released production images of their 2013 pantomime, PUSS IN BOOTS. Kat B, Sharon D Clarke, Josefina Gabrielle and Stephen Matthews star in this year's iconic Hackney pantomime. London's No.1 pantomime will run to the 05 January 2014 with press night set for Wednesday 04 December, 7pm. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!
This week the world famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home received a slightly larger feline visitor than usual. Kat B, who will play Puss in Boots in the renowned Hackney Empire pantomime this year, got into character with the Home's feline residents on Wednesday after visiting the London rescue centre, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary of rehoming cats this year.
This week the world famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home received a slightly larger feline visitor than usual. Kat B, who will play Puss in Boots in the renowned Hackney Empire pantomime this year, got into character with the Home's feline residents on Wednesday after visiting the London rescue centre, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary of rehoming cats this year.
Today Hackney Empire announces the principal cast of its brand new pantomime, Puss in Boots. Written and directed by Susie McKenna with music by Steven Edis, the cast will include Kat B as Puss in Boots, Sharon D Clarke as Queen Talulah, Josefina Gabrielle as the witch Evilena and Stephen Matthews as Dame Nettie Knowall. In true Hackney style this rarely performed classic Perrault pantomime will be reimagined for today's audience, packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines and side-splitting comedy.
This morning Hackney Empire and St Joseph's Hospice launched the inaugural charity event, DAME DASH with panto legend and Hospice supporter, Christopher Biggins. Biggins was joined on stage by Hackney panto star Kat B, Hackney Empire Creative Director, Susie McKenna and Carolyne Barber from St Joseph's Hospice. Scroll down for photos from the launch!
London's No1 pantomime team is back with another smash-hit Christmas cracker. Once again written and directed by Susie McKenna, the UK's leading writer and director of pantomimes and starring Clive Rowe, as Widow Twanky and Anna Jane Casey as Aladdin, this production opens on 03 December (with previews from 28 November).
London's No1 pantomime team is back with another smash-hit Christmas cracker. Once again written and directed by Susie McKenna, the UK's leading writer and director of pantomimes and starring Clive Rowe, as Widow Twanky and Anna Jane Casey as Aladdin, this production opens on 03 December (with previews from 28 November).
