De Montfort Hall’s magical family pantomime Snow White opens tonight (14 December), and it’s already making headlines! Due to an unforeseen family emergency, Gyasi Sheppy has had to step down from his role as the Prince but panto fans needn’t worry, Snow White will still get her happily-ever-after, thanks to the heroic arrival of boyband icon and stage star Antony Costa!

Speaking about his last-minute return to Pantoland, Antony shared his excitement: “I thought I might have a year off this year! But in Pantoland, anything can happen! I couldn’t be happier to step into the role of the Prince in Snow White. It’s a part I know well, and joining the sensational cast at De Montfort Hall is a real Christmas treat for me. Panto is the perfect way to kick off the festive season, and I can’t wait to share the magic with Leicester audiences!”

Venue Director at De Montfort Hall, Tony Flint, adds: “As ever with theatre and live performance you can expect the unexpected, so we are delighted Antony has been able to come in at the eleventh hour to make sure we put on a fantastic show which we know Leicester audiences will love. He’s a true panto hero!

While Antony prepares for his role, choreographer and understudy Stuart Rogers will perform as Prince with Antony taking over from 17 December.

Antony joins Ru Paul’s Drag Race finalist and musical theatre star Divina De Campo, returning Leicester faves X Factor’s Sam Bailey, Dame Jack Ballard as Nanny Nora and hilarious funnyman Jarred Christmas as the hapless Muddles. With Tash Bacarese- Hamilton making her Leicester debut in the title role and the talented ensemble, Amy-Rose Gordon, Maddie McGawley, Emmanuel Duarte, Euan Libaudiere, Leo Udvarlaky, Lucy Holcroft, Lydia Lloyd and Nathan Purnell, Snow White promises to be an unforgettable festive adventure for the whole family.

Tickets are still available for what’s shaping up to be Leicester’s best panto yet.

Snow White plays at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall until 5 January 2025, with further info here.