VIDEO: Meet the cast of Rotherham's Civic panto - and watch a sneak preview of their comedy capers

STARRING in the Rotherham panto is “a dream come true” for a title star Kat Chatterton as she takes on her first ever professional role.

The North Yorkshire girl only graduated from the presitigious Mountview Academy in London last month but can’t wait to start treading the boards at the Civic.

She promised “sparkles, big laughs, a lot of mess and big fun” when we dropped by for a sneak preview during rehearsals ahead of tomorrow’s big curtain-up —with 69 performances to be staged until January 8.

Kat Chatterton (above), from Ripon, is in the lead role of Beauty.

She said: “I only graduated this past Monday (November 21) and was asked to come in for an audition almost straight away and I got the role.

“The role of Beauty means so much to me because she was my favourite Disney princess growing up and to be playing her now is a dream come true.”

Laura Judge will be making a hometown return as the Enchantress, and said “it feels like I’m coming home to the place I love”.

She added: “I still have wonderful links with family who still live here.

“Coming to the Civic inspired me to make it as an actress, because it’s where I came as a little girl.

“From the first day of rehearsals to coming back on stage, it has been fantastic.

“It’s great to be playing someone who is not strictly a ‘goodie’ and not a ‘baddie’ either.

“I love Christmas pantos as it is the perfect for family time and I will guarantee you will leave happier than when you arrived.”

Jonathan Alden (below), from Gloucestershire, will be play the role of Harold, Beauty’s father, and said he couldn’t wait for opening night.

“I’m thrilled to be here in Rotherham and having the opportunity to work with such a wonderful cast to bring this wonderful show together,” he said.

 Tickets priced from £14 for adults and £12 to £16 for concessions are available now from https://tinyurl.com/Civic-Christmas-Panto.