Sheffield’s Snow White: A Star-Studded Pantomime Spectacular
This Christmas, the Sheffield Lyceum presents “Snow White,” a fun-packed family pantomime running from Friday 6 December to Sunday 5 January. We spoke with cast members Catherine Tyldesley (Coronation Street star), Matthew Croke (Sheffield local), and Damian Williams (Sheffield legend) about their upcoming performances.
Damian Williams: Sheffield’s Pantomime Veteran
Q: You’re no stranger to Sheffield, Damian, with this being your 17th panto at the Lyceum. How does it feel to be back?
Damian: I love Sheffield, particularly at Christmas time. The atmosphere in the city is amazing. The people, the buzz, and the audience in the auditorium create such a great atmosphere. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at Christmas.
Catherine Tyldesley: Embracing Her First Sheffield Panto
Q: Catherine, this will be your first panto at Sheffield Theatres. Have you ever been to or worked in Sheffield before?
Catherine: I haven’t, but I’m determined to make brand new memories in Sheffield. I’ve got a lot of friends here, and I can already see it’s a very warm place with lovely people.
Matthew Croke: Returning to His Hometown
Q: Matthew, you have performed in Sheffield before, but across the road in the Crucible. Can you tell us about your time here?
Matthew: Being from Sheffield, I’m very excited to be part of the pantomime in my hometown. I’ve always heard it’s absolutely fantastic, and it means a lot to me to be involved.
Preparing for Their Roles
Q: Catherine, how are you preparing to channel your inner Wicked Queen?
Catherine: I’m tuning into hormonal Cath – that’s probably the angriest I get! I’ve always wanted to do panto, and it’s been on my bucket list for many years.
Q: Damian, you are playing Nurse Nellie. Who is she in the story?
Damian: Nurse Nellie is Snow White’s nurse, like her nanny. She’s back, and I hope she’s still the same as the Nurse Nellies I’ve played in the past.
The Magic of Pantomime
Q: What does panto mean to you?
Matthew: It means it’s Christmas, which is one of my favorite times of the year. It brings a lot of joy and pantomime silliness – I can’t wait.
Catherine: It’s a beautiful tradition that we need to cherish. You literally laugh ’til you cry when you come to see a panto, and it ticks every box entertainment-wise.
Exploring Sheffield During the Festive Season
Q: Where are your favorite local places to visit between shows?
Damian: Division Street is great for evenings, with restaurants and bars. I like Foresters, Bungalows and Bears, and Tamper for breakfast.
Matthew: Ecclesall Road, close to town, is really nice. I also have a theatre and dancing school in Wincobank that I’m looking forward to visiting more.
Summing Up Snow White
Damian: “Spectacular, funny, and magical!”
Catherine: “Hilarious, phenomenal songs, and comedy that will have you crying.”
Matthew: “Joyful, heart-warming, and a proper right good night out.”
For tickets and more information, visit Sheffield Theatres.
More Yorkshire Pantos to Enjoy
Beauty and The Beast
7 December-5 January
Grand Opera House York – atgtickets.com
Pinocchio
7 December-19 January
Alhambra Theatre – bradford-theatres.co.uk
Cinderella
26 November-5 January
Theatre Royal Wakefield – theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
