It might still be a long wait until Christmas, but the panto announcements are already rolling in.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford has revealed that EastEnders star Shona McGarty will be the leading lady in this winter’s production of Beauty and the Beast in her debut panto performance.

Shona, who has played the role of Whitney Dean in the soap since 2008, is the first cast member to be announced for the panto, which will open in Dartford from Saturday, December 9.

The actor and singer will play the role of Belle in the classic fairytale during its three-week run.

Shona said: “I’m so excited to be making my panto debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast this Christmas in Dartford. I once featured as Belle for a Children in Need feature back in 2018, so I can’t wait to play her in panto – it’s going to be so much fun. See you this Christmas, Dartford!”

The theatre is known for putting on one of the county’s biggest pantomimes, with the most recent being its production of Cinderella starring George Shelley, Bobby Davro and Regan Gascoigne in 2022.

Speaking of the casting, Tal Rosen, theatre director at the Orchard, said: “It’s wonderful news that Shona will be making her pantomime debut in Dartford. We’re excited to welcome her to The Orchard Theatre where she is sure to enchant audiences with her stunning voice in the role as Belle.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online here or by calling 03433 100033.

Tickets start from £13.