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Ann Widdecombe Quick-Steps into panto!

9th April 2018

 

Redhill’s Harlequin Theatre and Cinema has announced that The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe will star as the Wicked Queen in this year’s spectacular family pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which runs from Friday 7 December 2018 to Monday 31 January 2019.

Outspoken and controversial, Ann is one of the most high-profile politicians of recent times. MP for Maidstone between 1987 and 1997 and for Maidstone and the Weald between 1997 and 2010 she is more recently known for her explosive TV appearances.

In 2010 she appeared on BBC Saturday night favourite Strictly Come Dancing becoming the contest’s most memorable contestant ever with her comedy inflected dance routines. Despite never being a favourite with the judges, Ann continually defied the odds with her dance partner Anton Du Beke, surviving 10 weeks into the competition.

Strictly has been just one of many forays on television. In 2002, she took part in Celebrity Fit Club, becoming a judge in later series. In 2005, she fronted her own series, Ann Widdecombe to the Rescue, and has since made documentaries on a wide range of subjects, including prostitution, ‘hoodies’, benefits culture, the Bible and more. In 2017 she lived on a farm in Sugar Free Farm (ITV) and experienced life as a Victorian in 24 Hours in the Past (BBC Two). As a presenter, Ann has twice sat in the chairman’s seat on Have I Got News for You and asked very tricky questions on Cleverdicks (Sky Atlantic).

In January 2018 Ann was back on the small screen and making headlines with a surprise appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. Ann was the first housemate to enter the TV goldfish bowl and quickly cemented her place as the series’ most talked about contestant. After four weeks of comedy capers, tasks, nominations and topical political conversations with fellow housemates Ann left the famous house as the runner-up.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “Ann is one of the most intriguing personalities around today. Known as a former MP, reality star, TV presenter and author she is also an experienced panto performer with five appearances already under her belt. This year’s appearance as Wicked Queen will see Ann play this iconic panto role with her trademark wit and tongue-in-cheek humour. Ann will join returning Redhill favourites Neil Wheatley, Simon Bashford and Abi Welford in this brilliant family panto which has already achieved record breaking sales.”

Tickets are on sale now via www.harlequintheatre.co.uk and at the box office on 01737 276 500.