Pickering Musical Society Snow White panto

As the new year begins and with just two weeks to go until opening night, Pickering Musical Society is inviting audiences to start 2026 with a touch of magic, laughter and fairy-tale fun as its pantomime Snow White prepares to open at the Kirk Theatre.

Directed once again by Luke Arnold, whose pantomimes have become a much-loved annual tradition in Pickering, Snow White promises everything audiences expect from a classic panto – big laughs, colourful characters, memorable music and plenty of audience participation. Perfect for families, friends and theatre-lovers of all ages, the show offers a joyful and feel-good start to the new year.

This year’s production features a cast that blends familiar faces with exciting new turns. Taking on the title role is Alice Rose, who returns to Pickering Musical Society after last appearing as Goldilocks in 2018. Pantomime favourite and local legend Marcus Burnside is back where audiences love him most as Dame Dumpling, bringing his trademark warmth, quick wit and larger-than-life comedy to the role once again.

Adding a fresh comic dynamic to the show, Courtney Brown appears as Helga, marking her first time in a comedic role. Meanwhile, Jack Dobson steps into the spotlight as Fritz, the court jester and Dame Dumpling’s mischievous sidekick.

This is Jack’s first time in a full comedy role, and audiences may recognise him as a long-standing member of the Society who grew up on the Kirk Theatre stage through Pickering Musical Society’s Youth Theatre. Having previously taken the title role of Humpty Dumpty, this year sees Jack firmly centre stage, delighting audiences who have watched him grow up on stage.

Villainy comes courtesy of Paula Cook as Queen Lucrecia, marking her debut as a pantomime baddie, while Danielle Long stars as the heroic Prince Valentine and John Brooks takes on the role of the scheming Chamberlain. They are joined by a strong supporting cast including Will Smithson, Sue Smithson and Verity Roffe.

The production brings together performers from Pickering Musical Society alongside members of its Youth Theatre and dancers from the Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance, highlighting the depth of local talent involved both on and off the stage.

Music is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, with Clive Wass returning as Musical Director. As regular audiences will know, the Society is renowned for its high-quality live music, and this year’s pantomime features the largest band ever assembled for a Kirk Theatre production, with ten musicians performing a lively mix of show tunes, classic pop songs and a few musical surprises along the way.

Pickering’s pantomimes are well known for their impressive technical standards, and Snow White provides the perfect fairy-tale setting to showcase the theatre’s special effects, lighting and staging. Audiences can expect magical moments, dramatic transformations and plenty of visual surprises throughout the show.

Snow White runs from Wednesday 14 January to Sunday 25 January, with a mixture of evening and matinee performances. Ticket prices start from £15, with a family ticket available for two adults and two children at £55, making it an affordable and memorable way to kick off the New Year.

With seats selling fast, audiences are encouraged to book now via the Kirk Theatre Box Office on 01751 474833 or www.kirktheatre.co.uk