Panto Fever Hotting Up At The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Despite the glorious weather The Grand Pavilion’s sights are firmly set on panto and they are delighted to be able to announce casting for the spectacular Sleeping Beauty.

Vern Griffiths will play Dame Dolly Dumpling with Kyle Tovey as the hilarious Happy Harri, comedian Cerys Nelmes as Fairy Marina, Laura Mansell as the wicked Carabosse, Aled Herbert as King Frogmore, Trixie Waggott as Princess Rose and Jack Malin as Prince.

Ebbw Vale’s Kyle Tovey is delighted to be appearing at the Grand Pavilion, having fond childhood memories of Porthcawl where his family had a holiday home. His last appearance at the venue was hosting the BBC Wales Made in Wales Ceremony in 2011 and he cannot wait to get back on the stage this Christmas.

“Panto is my favourite time of the year, it is often a family’s first introduction to theatre and an absolute scream to be part of. No show is the same and the joy of the audience during participation is incomparable to any other theatre experience. Being able to take the audience on a magical journey whilst having heaps of fun along the way is priceless.” 

“My favourite part of playing the comic is that you get to form a bond with the audience from the outset. You end up feeling their constant support and feel that they are always on side. Being able to interact as the comic is the best part as you never know what’s going to happen. Panto is so unpredictable but yet continues to tell a timeless story - what’s not to love?”

Vern Griffiths last donned a frock as Dame at the Grand Pavilion back in 2012 and he is thrilled to be returning to the venue in which he watched pantomime as a child.

“The Grand Pavilion is a beautiful venue and has a special place in my heart as it is where I discovered my love of panto many years ago. Dame is a brilliant role as I get to have so much interaction with the audience, I particularly love embarrassing the dads in the audience.”

Cerys Nelmes is a familiar face on the comedy circuit and has also appeared in Trollied on Sky 1 as well as popping up on Casualty, Stella, Back, The Coroner, Thirteen, Ill Behavior, Galavant and The Rack Pack.

Steve Boden from Imagine Theatre who produce the pantomime says “We are delighted to have Cerys on board for pantomime. Having a performer whose speciality is stand up comedy is going to bring something different to the role of fairy this year which is very exciting. We have a fabulous cast lined up and script written by the brilliant Chris Jarvis so we are confident that we will put on another brilliant show this year.

Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday 14 December 2018 until Sunday 6 January 2018.

For more information or to book tickets contact the Grand Pavilion box office on 01656 815995 or visit www.grandpavilion.co.uk