Two former panto stars swap the Marina stage for the Big Brother House!

Two of our former pantomime stars entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night (Tue) – with millions of people across the country tuning in to watch.

Ann Widdecombe appeared as the Empress of China just days before entering the Channel 5 programme – starring in our performances of Aladdin alongside singer/songwriter Mark Read.

Ann played ‘The Very Delectable, Strictly Respectable, Empress Chop Suey III’ in the record breaking pantomime – in partnership with Paul Holman Associates.

More than 12600 people enjoyed the pantomime in Lowestoft – with Ann making a number of references to her infamous stint on Strictly Come Dancing, along with Brexit, and her time as an MP.

Also appearing on the show is Amanda Barrie – who starred at the Marina in Cinderella back in December 2013.

The former star of Carry On Cleo, Coronation Street and Bad Girls played the Fairy Godmother in another Paul Holman Associates pantomime – maybe it will be discussed in the CBB house?

Lee Henderson, Chief Executive at the Marina Theatre, said:

“We always try to attract the biggest names to Lowestoft during our popular pantomimes and in our jam packed live programme of events throughout the year.

“It is fantastic to see that two of our former stars will be appearing on our television screens – in front of millions of people – over the next few weeks.

“Ann was here just a few days ago starring as our Empress of China in what turned out to be our most successful pantomime ever with Paul Holman Associates.

“Amanda Barrie was an extremely popular member of our cast back in December 2013 – and we will be keeping an eye on the programme to see how they both get on in the Celebrity Big Brother House.”

Tune in over the coming weeks to the programme to see how the pair get on with the other celebrities including Rachel Johnson and Ashley James.

This year, the programme is marking the 100th anniversary of women receiving the vote in the UK.