If you see a princess, a fairy and a jester walking around Bolton, you’re not dreaming.
For it’s the cast of festive pantomime Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale spreading Christmas cheer.
This week they greeted passengers at the interchange.
Bolton’s Albert Halls and Polka Dot Pantomimes present the much-loved tale of Rapunzel – playing in Albert Halls from November 30 to December 31.
And Coronation Street legend, Vicky Entwistle, is back on stage by popular demand as Rapunzel’s evil Mother Gothel.
She’ll be joined by panto veteran Sean ‘Rollo’ Rollason playing jester Loopy Louis, Abi Ellis-Walter as Rapunzel, Tyler Sargent as the hero Flynn Ryder and Lucy-Rose Rollason as Fairy Rose.
Abi Ellis-Walter plays Rapunzel – the “lonely princess trapped in a tower”.
She said: “The show is going to be great. The cast are lovely. And we've just done our first dress rehearsal yesterday.
“The audience can expect a fun, magical, funny show with something for the whole family.
“This is my first time in Bolton, I’m from Brighton. It took me quite a while to get here.
“I arrived last Tuesday and haven’t had much time to explore yet. But I might have a wander on my day off.
“I like seeing the lights during the Christmas season. It would be lovely to see them here.”
Of her character, she said: “Rapunzel is very sweet and kind but also quite feisty. She knows how to put up a fight against Mother Gothel.”
The cast have come together from all over the country.
Last year, they enjoyed their time in the Albert Halls that they wanted to return.
Legendary panto actor Sean ‘Rollo’ Rollason plays the jester Loopy Louis. He said: “I’m from Norfolk, the rest are from other parts of the UK.
“We all meet up and go to different parts of the country for this.”
And the cast is bringing audiences good fun.
He said: “There will be something for everybody. Plenty of sing-a-longs, comedy and slapstick.
“And of course, an outrageous dame – Betty Bouffant, who runs a beauty parlour.”
She will be played by the “brilliant” Ian Parkin.
Tyler Sargent, of Hastings, will play Flynn Ryder. He said: “Flynn is just a hero, really.
He’s there to save the day, defeat the evil witch. That’s his business.”
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council's cabinet member for culture, said: “It's great to see this festival period starting now.
“We have got Bolton Town of Culture and this pantomime goes hand in hand with that.
“Having Rapunzel in the Albert Halls is wonderful and encourages people to go visit Bolton town centre.
“We've got a great cultural offer and this is such an addition to it.
“And we hope all families and community groups come together to make this a fantastic time of the year for everybody.”
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