The principal cast for the Pompey Panto is complete. Following an extensive search, and auditioning many local professionals, the Kings has cast Michelle Antrobus in its upcoming Christmas pantomime as Cinderella.
Michelle is no stranger to the Kings, first performing on its stage when she was five with the Alverstoke School of Dance, and going on to learn the ropes with highly acclaimed Portsmouth Players.
Leaving for London to train at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Michelle has gone on to work in the West End notably as the leading ladies Roxy Hart and Velma Kelly in Chicago; at the famous Salzberg Festival as Clarice in West Side Story and had an ‘insane’ time in the cast for Captain America: The First Avenger. An early career TV highlight was competing on ITV’s Grease is the Word to play the part of Sandy. Although on this occasion Michelle didn’t win her Prince, she remembers the massive support she received from the south coast in particular.
Michelle has now returned to her roots missing the sea and the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
Michelle Antrobus:
“I am so happy to be returning to perform at the Kings Theatre as it has a real place in my heart. I can’t wait to start rehearsals, meet the cast and look out onto that wonderful auditorium again.
Cinderella is a dream role for me because I feel I resonate closely with the character. My mantra is ‘have courage and be kind’ which by coincidence is a quote from the Cinderella film, and I love how she never gives up on her dreams no matter how tough things get.”
Paul Woolf, Producer and CEO:
“We are thrilled that Michelle has accepted. There was a lot of competition for the role of Cinderella and the audition standard was incredibly high. We will always cast the best actor for the part so I was really pleased that it turned out to be someone not only highly talented but also local with a long-standing connection with the Kings. It is the Pompey Panto after all!.”
Jack Edwards, Artistic Director:
“Cinderella is a hard role to play! Her home life is not happy but she remains cheerful, strong willed, a good friend and she holds on to her dreams. And as its panto the person not only has to be a fantastic actor she has to be able to sing and dance as well. Michelle has all the skills needed in heaps and is a great addition to the cast. I can’t wait to start working with her.”