Entertainment

The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon is famous for its record-breaking pantomimes, and in recent years the festive productions at the venue have toplined stars of stage and creen such as Extras and Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson, 70s silver screen sex bomb Britt Ekland and Coronation Street actress Vicky Binns.

And their production for Christmas 2009 looks set to be another memorable one it has recently been announced that actress and TV personality Lorraine Chase is to play the Wicked Queen in Sleeping Beauty.

Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of a princess cursed to sleep an eternal sleep unless a handsome prince can rescue her. Filled with the requisite panto boos and hisses and brave goodies and dastardly baddies, it promises to be a spectacular show for all ages to enjoy.

Nasty characters

Lorraine has been a well-known face on British television for over 30 years. She first rose to fame in the late seventies following her appearance in the memorable Campari adverts where her infamous catchphrase "Nah, Luton Airport!" was born.

Recently she starred as the evil Tricia Stokes in popular ITV1 soap opera Emmerdale.

On her new career playing nasty characters, Lorraine said: "It was quite frightening in a way as I'd always been liked and people have always been very kind to me so I thought if I'm going to play a baddie I can't do it half-hearted, I've got to go for it"

On coming to Swindon, Lorraine said: I'm excited. It's my first time in Swindon and my first time doing Sleeping Beauty, so I'm thrilled."

Sleeping Beauty will be presented by Daryl Back who has produced the last four record-breaking pantomimes at the Wyvern Theatre.