Talented young performers from dance schools in Clacton will be taking centre stage at this year’s magical Princes Theatre pantomime.

More than 20 students from The Dance House Academy, CCT Studios and Signature Dance Academy will be joining the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this coming festive season.

The professional pantomime, which is being staged by new provider Shone Productions, will be put on at the Tendring District Council-run (TDC) theatre from 7 to 29 December.

Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “Tendring has a wealth of fantastic dance schools and talented young performers – and I’m delighted that some of them will be taking to the stage at this year’s Princes Theatre pantomime.

“Raising aspirations for young people in our district and creating opportunities runs through everything we do, so it will be wonderful to see local youngsters get the chance to join a professional panto cast.

“This year’s pantomime is really shaping up to be a great production and will include a visual spectacle like no other, including 3D glasses being handed to the audience for special sections of the show.

“Tickets for all performances are on sale now and I’d encourage everybody to book theirs now for a show that will be packed with fun for all of the family.”

The pantomime adaptation of the Brothers Grimm classic tale features evil stepmothers, poisoned apples and tales of treachery – and loyalty – as the beautiful Snow White and her seven friends from the enchanted forest attempt to defeat the evil Wicked Queen.

The title role is played by Urdang Academy graduate Ellis Lloyd while Clacton’s very own Danny Lee Grew, an acclaimed magician, returns to his hometown in the role of Muddles.

There will also be a special guest appearance via pre-recorded video by CBBC’s Hacker T. Dog as the Magic Mirror.

There will be a series of special performances for pantomime fans to enjoy, including a preview performance on Saturday, 7 December, with all tickets priced at just £15, a special relaxed performance on Thursday, 19 December, at 6pm, and a British Sign Language (BSL) performance on Sunday, 15 December, at 3.30pm.

The young dancers will not be involved in the one-off adults-only show on Saturday, 28 December, at 8pm.

Tickets for the show are available now from the Princes Theatre website at www.princestheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office at 01255 686633 (Option 1).

‍