Peterborough panto star pulls out through illness
The team behind this year’s Cresset panto have acted quickly to replace one of its headliners – sitcom and soap star Steven Woodcock.
The former Eastender, who helped switch on the Peterborough Christmas lights last week, is unwell and been forced to withdraw.
He was due to play Beauty’s father in Beauty and the Beast, which opens on December 13.
Today, a spokesman for the panto – a Cresset and Second Star Productions show – said: “Steven Woodcock has had to withdraw from this year's pantomime Beauty and the Beast due to illness.
“Joe Connors has stepped into the roles of Beauty’s Father and The Mayor.
"The Cresset Theatre and Second Star Productions wish Steven a speedy recovery.” Originally from South Wales, Joe trained at the Arts Educational School in London and has built an extensive career in musical theatre and drama.
His stage credits include Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, Hair, Much Ado About Nothing, Billy Liar, and an international tour of Annie. Joe is a highly experienced pantomime performer and has taken on numerous leading and villainous roles across major productions. Joe has also appeared in television, film, and commercial work, including campaigns for ASDA and Escape Lounges.
Performances of Beauty and the Beast run from December 13 until New Year’s Eve.
Tickets and details of show times from www.cresset.co.uk/shows/beauty-the-beast-pantomime
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