We may still be enjoying summer, but the cast of a Tunbridge Wells pantomime kicked off the festive celebrations.

The star-studded cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Assembly Hall Theatre headed to Scotney Castle in full costume and make-up to sprinkle some Christmas magic in the sunshine.

The show, which comes to the theatre on Friday, December 9 and will run until Monday, January 2, stars Su Pollard, best known for her role as loveable Maplin's chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw in the 80s TV show Hi-De-Hi! who will play the Wicked Queen.

She will be joined by Jamie Rickers, a familiar face to young viewers of CiTV and Nickelodeon, and Jamie Steen as the over-the-top Nursie.

Millie Booth will play the role of Snow White while Chris Warner Drake brings his chiselled features to the role of Prince Charming.

Veteran panto performer Su said: "I really like the Wicked Queen. You have to have the longevity behind you to do the role, to bring something to it - you can't look as if you're 17!"

"I'm never scared to be evil, either," she added. "Although of course I am absolutely acting. I'm very mean to Snow White. I love the evility. But my character is wicked with a twinkle."

The show is produced by UK Productions, who produced last year's show Cinderella. Martin Dodd from the company said: "Su's a whirlwind on stage. She's full of energy. The show will be glitzy and fast and packed with comedy."

It will be the first panto under new theatre executive director John-Jackson (JJ) Almond, who joined in March from Park Theatre in London.

One initiative he has brought in since starting is a Pay What You Can Scheme for tickets, subject to availability. "The scheme will apply to the panto, for some performances. It makes the theatre more accessible."

It is in conjunction with the Go! Card. For details click here.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens on Friday, December 9. Tickets cost £18 on opening night, and other performances from £23, with children from £13. For details visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Read our interview with Su in our What's On magazine soon.