Television presenter Melinda Messenger has pulled out of this year’s Christmas Panto Robin Hood at Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal due to personal family reasons.
The former glamour model and Page Three girl, who was due to play the part of Fairy Stardust, is no longer able to perform in the show. However, she is hoping to return to Lincoln for next year’s pantomime.
Artistic Director Natalie Hayes-Cowley said the team are working hard to recast the role in a short timescale before rehearsals start.
Melinda, who was also unable to make September’s launch event due to illness, said: “It is with great sadness that I won’t be able to take part in the fabulous Panto this year due to a personal family situation.
“I am hoping that I can be part of the next year’s line-up instead at the beautiful New Theatre Royal. Wishing you all an amazing Christmas and I’m sure whoever takes my place will bring magic to the show.”
Natalie Hayes-Cowley added: “It is disappointing to lose one of our celebrity cast members, which presents a challenge to our theatre family.
“The role of Fairy Stardust was an added character to Robin Hood, so the part is not essential to the story. However, we are working hard to recast in the short timescale before rehearsals start.
“This year’s production will be a fantastic show with an incredibly talented cast, and we can’t wait to get started.
“We accept that some things are out of our control and despite ongoing communications since being notified of Melinda’s circumstances, we respect that she must put her family first. We wish Melinda well and hope to work with her in the future.”
As previously reported, the 2019 Christmas Pantomime adventure will run between December 3, 2019 until January 5, 2020.
CBBC’s Barney Harwood and Chris Johnson will play Robin Hood and Will Scarlett respectively, while Zoe Hedge was cast in the role of Maid Marian.
Tickets are priced between £16.50 and £25.50 depending on the time of performance and type of ticket. Click here to buy tickets.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!