Spence & Shaw in Opera House Panto

It might feel too early to be thinking about Christmas but First Family Entertainment and the Opera House, Manchester, have cast two lead roles for their production of Cinderella, which runs from 3 – 31 December.

Louie Spence, star of Sky TV’s Pineapple Dance Studios and Louie Spence’s Showbusiness, will play the Prince’s aide-de-camp Dandini while singer and actress Suzanne Shaw will take the title role.

As well as becoming a well loved television personality, Louie is the artistic director of the world-famous Pineapple Dance Studios and has appeared in West End musicals such as Cats and Miss Saigon. He appeared in panto for First Family in Wimbledon last Christmas, alongside David Hasselhoff in Peter Pan.

On making his Manchester panto debut, Louie says: “I am so excited to be giving the people of Manchester my Dandini this Christmas. Cinderella is going to be full of all the things I love – glitter, music, fun, dancing, everything showbiz! Bring the whole family along.”

Bury-born Suzanne, who plays Eve Jensen in the hit soap Emmerdale, had one of the fastest-selling singles of all time as a member of the pop group Hear’say. She has starred in West End musicals including Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Rocky Horror Show and also won the third series of ITV show Dancing on Ice. Recently she starred in White Christmas at the Lowry, dancing and singing alongside West End star Adam Cooper. 

Suzanne said: “I am really excited and looking forward to playing Cinderella in Manchester later in the year.  I know it’s going to be lots of fun playing alongside Louie Spence.”

Booking for Cinderella is now open.