´óÏó´«Ã½

Stephen Fry has agreed to appear in the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime for 2008.

The theatre has signed up the actor, broadcaster, comedian and writer to star in a 'virtual' role as The Magic Mirror in Snow White And Seven Dwarfs when it opens in December.

Mr Fry, who grew up in Booton, near Reepham is no stranger to panto.

"While I was at Cambridge University, I was part of the Footlights and one of their big shows every year was the pantomime," he said.

"Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson starred in it during the first year. I wasn't interested in comedy and thought I was going to be a serious actor - by the third year, I was starring in it with them.

"My big disadvantage to pantomime is that I have a Van Gogh's ear when it comes to music so I have to have a non-singing part," he added.

Voice of The Mirror

Stephen Fry's voice, as the Mirror, has already been recorded for the show in order to fit in with his busy schedule. Although he will appear on stage in a 'virtual' role, he has also been involved with the traditional Christmas entertainment behind the scenes too.

"Last year, I wrote a panto for the Old Vic Theatre in London which was very enjoyable. I have always had a secret love of the pantomime and the well-springs of humour, preposterousness and charm that they deliver," he said.

The panto is also something of a Fry family affair, as Caitlin Stasey – better known as Rachel Kinski from Neighbours – who's playing the role of Snow White, is a distant relative.

"Caitlin is wonderful, we're very proud of her. She has become this huge soap star and is divine," said Stephen.

"You could fit her in a teacup which is rather unusual for our family as we tend to be built on lines similar to the Royal Albert Hall, so it's rather splendid for us to have a petite and elegant member of the family. She's really looking forward to it."

Nick Aldis to star in Snow White

Local talent

Stephen Fry is the latest member of the Snow White cast with strong local links.

The cast also features west Norfolk muscle-man Nick Aldis, better known as The Big O from TV's Gladiators. Actress Liza Goddard, who lives near Dereham, stars in the show as the Fairy Snowdrop.

Seasonal stalwart Richard Gauntlett also returns for another year, this time taking on the role of Nurse Nellie.

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal from 16 December, 2008 to 16 January, 2009.