Corrie bad boys turn panto villains for Cinderella at Manchester Opera House
Yes, we're talking about Christmas in April...
Manchester Opera House has announced the first stars joining the line-up for Manchester’s pantomime this festive season, with Coronation Street bad boys Connor McIntyre and Les Dennis swapping the cobbles for their clutch bags as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella.
Connor McIntyre is best known for his current role as Pat Phelan in Coronation Street and, since joining in 2013, he's been embroiled in numerous high-profile storylines.
Television presenter, comedian and actor Les Dennis has been a mainstay of British entertainment since he won the 1974 talent show New Faces. His appearance propelled him to have great success in primetime light entertainment shows like Family Fortunes. More recently he joined Coronation Street as Michael Rodwell - a petty criminal who won the heart of his victim Gail Platt.
Cinderella will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, continuing their partnership with Manchester Opera House following last year’s production of Dick Whittington, which recently won the Manchester Theatre Award for Special Entertainment.
Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division, said: “I’m thrilled that we have managed to secure Connor and Les to lead our Opera House pantomime this year. They are a great double act and will bring lots of laughter to the production as the ultimate baddies -I’m sure that Manchester audiences, young and old, will enjoy booing and hissing them!”
Sheena Wrigley, Theatre Director at the Palace Theatre and Opera House Manchester, said “We’re absolutely delighted that Qdos Entertainment are back for a second year. Qdos are known for their stunning sets and costumes, as well as their impressive special effects, so we’re excited to present another high-quality production to our audiences. Connor and Les are two extremely talented and experienced performers and also have a great connection to Manchester, making them the perfect choice for our Ugly Sisters.”
Further star casting will be announced later in the year.
Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, plays at the Opera House from 8th – 30th December with tickets from £12.
For more information, or to book, visit www.atgtickets.com/Manchester