And last year's understudy returns after landing title role 

Lighthouse Poole is delighted to announce sitcom star Tyger Drew-Honey will make his panto debut this year playing Prince Charming in Cinderella. 

Tyger is well known to TV audiences and appeared alongside Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner and Samantha Bond in five series of Outnumbered between 2007 and 2014, as well as all five seasons of Cuckoo - BBC Three's most-watched comedy - with Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale from 2012 to 2019. 

"This a fantastic opportunity and I’m really looking forward to playing Prince Charming and being part of my first panto," says Tyger, who made his stage debut in 2019 touring in Olivier Award-winning writer Laura Wade’s acclaimed comedy Posh. 

"I've been acting professionally since I was ten - I'm 26 now and it seems incredible that panto has never come my way before. It’s going to be good fun." 

Lighthouse Chief Executive, Elspeth McBain adds: "Tyger is one of our brightest young actors and a great addition to the cast, bringing his performing talents and TV profile to our production. After the ups and downs of the last two years where we presented pantos despite the pandemic, we are making a magical sparkly new production that will bring joy at Christmas time, across the generations." 

Tyger joins long-time Lighthouse friend, CBeebies star Chris Jarvis, who will play Buttons and also write and direct the show, and Charlotte Wood who made such a big impression in last year's panto - her professional debut - that she was invited back to play the title role in Cinderella. 

"I cannot wait to get started," she says, brimming with enthusiasm. "It was so unexpected - when I got the call offering me the part of Cinderella, I cried immediately. 

"I had to process it, but obviously they liked what I do so I’ll bring a bit of Charlie Wood to Cinders and see what she comes out like. She's the ultimate princess and everyone loves Cinderella so there is some pressure, but panto is evolving and moving with the times and it’s up to us to make sure princesses do the same." 

The show is still being written, but Chris Jarvis has revealed the action is set in Ye Olde Poole where Cinderella is to be found toiling away at the Hardup Hall Hotel alongside its popular bellboy Buttons. The production will also feature real Shetland ponies. 

He says: "I’m really excited to be back at Lighthouse in a traditional comedy version of Cinderella that all the family will love, no matter what their age – everyone shall go to the ball!" 

:: Cinderella runs from 8 to 31 December. Tickets booking now on 01202 280000 and at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.