GEORGE Critchley will be taking on the role of the dame for the very first time in his 22-year history of playing a comic role in Colne's annual pantomime.

George, of PMA Productions Ltd, will return for his 20th consecutive year as pantomime producer with his production of Snow White, which runs at The Muni from Saturday, January 6, to Sunday, January 21.

One snowy night in a castle far away, a little princess was born. Her parents named her Snow White. As the years passed she grew up to be a lovely, young woman.

Her beauty and gentle nature won the hearts of all who knew her – except her evil stepmother - Queen Cruella – played by singing sensation Anne Nolan.

Grant Brookes will play the Queen's Henchman, her comic sidekick and snivelling servant.

For more than two decades, George has played the idiot son to the panto dame, but this year he will be swapping his shirt for a skirt and dress to impress as the ‘lady’ everyone loves in pantoland – the dame. And this year that role will be Dame Duddles.

Star of EastEnders, Casualty, Silent Witness and CBBC’s The Dumping Ground, Mark Homer – who played the part of Ramsbottom in Snow White at Colne in 2006 - returns in 2018 to play the part of Muddles – Dame Duddles’ troublesome son.

The leading role of Snow White will be played by Emma Brown, panto newcomer Oliver Bower will be her Prince Valentine and Amy Isaac will star as the Fairy.

The cast will, as always, be supported by East Lancashire School of Dance, Whalley, and Pendle Academy, Colne.

There will be daytime and evening performances of Snow White from Saturday, January 6, to Sunday, January 21.

To book tickets, ring the box office on 01282 661234 or visit themuni.co.uk