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Shropshire’s own panto hero is back on stage!
16 Nov 2017
by Rebecca Dutton

Shrewsbury’s most beloved pantomime star is back – it’s our very own Eric Smith from BBC Radio Shropshire’s breakfast show.

He’s ready to face a live audience once again at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn as Herman in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

Throughout the year, Eric occasionally appears at Theatre Severn, and around the county, hosting concerts and events, but he readily admits that panto season is the highlight of his year.

“It’s amazing how quickly it comes around,” said Eric. “But it’s a magical time of the year when the whole family can get into the spirit of pantomime and have a wonderful time.”

Last year was the first time his grandson, Harry, realised that it was grandad on stage playing the fool, and even at three-years-old he had something of a resigned expression on his face, as if to say “what do you expect?”

Goodness knows what he’ll make of his grandad this year as he takes on the part of Herman the Henchman – from the dark side…. or is he? We’ll just have to wait and find out.

Eric said he is once again delighted to be working for Evolution pantomimes, and equally thrilled that Brad Fitt, Joanne Heywood and Victoria McCabe are returning to Theatre Severn.

He said; “Audiences are going to love the show and have a great time. In fact, they might get as close to enjoying it just as much as we do.”

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs opens on Wednesday, November 29 and runs for 68 performances until Sunday, January 7.

Tickets are available from the box office at Theatre Severn by calling (01743) 281281 or online at www.theatresevern.co.uk