There was magic in the air as the curtain rose on a classic fairytale this week, with insiders claiming it could be a record-breaking year in Rhyl. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, featuring a stellar cast including Su Pollard and Rebecca Trehearn, opened at Pavilion Theatre on Monday, and is already shaping into a massive hit. 

"Ticket sales are going very well, we are actually up on last year, which was our best year, so it looks like it is going to be a record-breaking year," said deputy manager Val Simmons. 

And she says audiences will not be disappointed, as the theatre continues to break new ground. 

After months of searching, seven real-life dwarves have been found, the smallest of whom - Di - is only 3ft tall.

"It is a first for the Pavilion, and it is the only way UK Productions, who have produced the show, will do it. When you see them first come on, it is so exciting," added Mrs Simmons. 

One of the stars of the show is undoubtedly Su Pollard, best known as zany Peggy in Hi-De-Hi. 

The actress, who has concentrated on theatre work in recent years, was last in North Wales in 2001 in Dick Whittington at the North Wales Theatre with Celebrity Love Island contestant Paul Danan. 

And the role of the Wicked Queen should come naturally to her - this will be her third panto appearance in the role in four years. 

In addition, the theatre has reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing the best in local talent by casting Rhyl girl Rebecca Trehearn in the lead. According to Ms Simmons, the S4C Waw Factor winner has the potential to be a pantomime favourite, as her star continues to rise. 

"She has been doing really well and has recently appeared in a musical version of Alfie, with Darren Day, as one of his girlfriends. 

"There will be a lot of musical numbers in Snow White and she sounds so beautiful - it really is going to be magical." 

Also in the cast is Andy Collins, a warm-up man for Ant and Dec and Paul O'Grady, and there is a TV crew in Rhyl doing a documentary on him. 

Andy, who hosts Family Fortunes on ITV, plays Muddles, and is joined by TV veteran Shaun Curry, who plays the Wicked Queen's henchman. As usual, the team of youngsters providing support come from Gay Harris Dancers and the North Wales School of Dancing. 

"Rehearsals have gone really well, and I think it is going to be fantastic," enthused Mrs Simmons. 

North Wales Daily Post
December 2005