Hackney Empire Opens PUSS IN BOOTS 2013 Pantomime Tonight

Hackney Empire will present Puss in Boots as its 2013 pantomime. This brand new show will be written and directed by Susie McKenna and produced by the creative team that has made Hackney Empire's the number one London pantomime. The show will run from tonight, 23 November 2013 to the 05 January 2014.

In true Hackney style this rarely performed classic Perrault pantomime will be reimagined for today's audience, with the high quality production values that the theatre has gained its reputation for. Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines and side-splitting comedy, Puss in Boots will take its audience on an adventure through the merry Kingdom of Hackneyonia.

Puss in Boots will also be Susie McKenna's 15th Hackney pantomime. From starting as principle boy in Nottingham Playhouse pantomimes, Susie is now Creative Director of Hackney Empire. Her directing credits include A Midsummer Night's Madness (Hackney Empire, New York and Edinburgh Festival), La Varieté, Once on This Island (Hackney Empire), Sit and Shiver (assisting Steven Berkoff), A Christmas Carol (Arts Theatre, London) and Once on this Island (Hackney Empire, Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse). Susie has also worked as an actress for over 30 years. Her acting credits include Chicago, Cats and The Witches of Eastwick in the West End and national tours of Hair, The Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Her pantomime productions have gained a reputation for reflecting the contemporary cultural world the theatre belongs to. Each of her pantomimes is character and story led; drawing on contemporary events in London and offering a unique seasonal show that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Susie commented "It has been an amazing 15 years of Hackney pantomimes. I wanted to bring the West End to the East End and create a pantomime for Hackney that was as unique as the borough. We are a family here at Hackney Empire and so many people both on stage and off have been with Steve and I for the whole journey - as has our audience. I'm so lucky that we have such a talented family who are passionate about pantomime. We have great fun and I hope that comes across the footlights."

Steven Edis returns once again as musical composer to create a magical mix of musical mash-ups, chart remixes and an original score. Steven has worked with The National Theatre, in the West End and on a variety of prestigious projects as composer, arranger and orchestrator. Credits include The Captain of Kopenick (National Theatre), The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Chorus of Disapproval, Flarepath and Birdsong for the West End. Steven brings his vast experience to create a musical score that could rival a West End musical.

Puss in Boots will also include awe-inspiring creature puppets created by puppet maker and puppeteer Scott Brooker. Scott is perhaps best known for his work on the television cult series Spitting Image, where he was Head Puppet-maker for 13 years. He has worked on projects for The Disney Channel, National Theatre and film work includes Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland and The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Scott has worked on four previous Hackney pantomimes.

Tickets are on sale and cast is to be announced later in the year.