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Raac woes 'behind you' as panto returns

Megan PatersonNorth East and Cumbria , Carlisle
News imageBBC The cast of Sleeping Beauty are on stage in brightly coloured costumes laughing into the lens. Seven cast members stand arm in arm on the stage which has blue and purple lighting and a backdrop of a stained glass window . BBC
Sleeping Beauty will be the first panto at the Sands Centre since Christmas 2022

A theatre that closed for years due to safety fears over its roof is welcoming pantomime back to its stage after four years.

The Sands Centre in Carlisle shut in 2023 for the removal of 200 tonnes of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), leaving audiences without shows including the annual Christmas panto.

The venue was expected to reopen last autumn, but Storm Eowyn further delayed progress on the £2.5m repair job meaning shows only returned in June this year.

Looking forward to playing Dame Dotty in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas, radio personality Robbie Dee said: "Being back in my home city is so special, it's felt like a long time coming."

He said: "People have been coming up to me in the street asking when panto would be back and we are delighted it's happening this year."

News imageActor Robbie Dee is dressed as a pantomime dame in a bright blue polka dot dress made of chenille like material. The spots are purple on and pink. He wears a large had with a bright pink feather in the top. He has traditional pantomime make up - bright red cheeks and exaggerated eye shadow as well as a purple wig peeping out underneath the hat .
Robbie Dee said he was thrilled to be back on his home stage

After performing in the Back to the Future Musical in the West End, Zachkiel Smith takes on the iconic Prince Charming part.

He said: "It's great that the first panto back in this building is also my first pantomime.

"It's great for the audience to have this tradition back and I can't wait to be part of it in this brand new space."

News imagePrince Charming smiles towards the camera in a turquoise sequinned suit. He has ruffles in his shirt and is standing in the stalls with the stage in the background.
Zachkiel Smith says fans should "expect the unexpected" when panto returns this year

Kelli Young was due to perform in Carlisle with her band Liberty X in 2023 but was left disappointed when the show had to be cancelled.

Now due to play the Wicked Witch, she said she was "excited" to finally be back in the city and it was a privilege to be on the new stage.

News imageKelli Young had dark curly hair and is dressed in a black and red sequinned long gown. She has large red trimmed shoulder pads attached to her long dress creating a sinister appearance.
Kelli Young said she is ready to hear "boos and hisses" fill the new auditorium

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