Swapping cobbles for the streets of Derby – Coronation Street, stage and screen star Wendi Peters joins this year’s panto

Known for her iconic role as Cilla Battersby-Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, Wendi Peters will star as the villainous Queen Rat in this year’s festive pantomime, Dick Whittington at Derby Arena this Christmas.

Wendi Peters is no stranger to captivating audiences with her mischievous charm. Her four-year stint as the much-loved (and sometimes hated!) loudmouth Cilla in Coronation Street from 2003 to 2007 established her as a master of outrageous behaviour.

Beyond the cobbles, Wendi’s extensive screen credits include Doctors (BBC1), Hetty Feather (BBC), Midsomer Murders (ITV), and Bad Girls(ITV). Her impressive stage career includes Glorious (Hope Mill Theatre) and a hugely successful national tour of Sister Act The Musical.

Speaking about her new role, Wendi said:

“I’m excited to be bringing my scheming panto magic to Derby, playing the Queen Rat in Dick Whittington this Christmas. I’m also looking forward to getting to know Derby!”

Award-winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment, the creative force behind Derby’s smash-hit pantomimes, are proud to unveil this year’s sparkling cast, which also features a host of beloved familiar faces from past productions.

Producers Alan Bowles and Morgan Brind, of Little Wolf Entertainment, commented:

“We’re hugely excited to welcome Wendi Peters to the cast this year. Her vast experience across stage and screen, and particularly in pantomime, makes her the perfect Queen Rat.

“We’re equally thrilled to welcome back some much-loved faces who our loyal audiences are going to adore. Dick Whittington promises to be our most ‘purrr-fect’ show yet!

Returning to delight Derby audiences are:

Derby’s favourite, multi-award-winning panto dame Morgan Brind as Dame Sarah the Cook.

Local favourite Kristian Cunningham, who charmed audiences as Buttons in last year’s Cinderella and in the title role of Aladdin (2022), returns as Dick Whittington.

Nicola Martinus-Smith, who shone as Dandini in Cinderella, and Princess Jasmin in Aladdin returns as the magical Fairy Bow Bells.

Roddy Peters also makes a very welcome return to Derby Arena after his scene-stealing turn as one of the infamous Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, and a memorable run as Baron Wasteland in Mother Goose, will this year star as The Alderman.

This Christmas join Dick Whittington on his search for fame and fortune as he sets off for London, where the streets are paved with gold, or are they?

It’s going to take some help from Fairy Bow Bells and his trusty cat, if he’s going so stop a rather repellent rat from taking over the world!

Multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment and Derby LIVE are proud to invite you to join us for another lush extravaganza.

Featuring stunning sets, fantastic frocks, lavish meow-sical numbers and side-splitting slapstick, this panto is the purrr-fect Christmas treat for the whole family. Get your tickets now, it’s going to be paw-some!

Dick Whittington is at Derby Arena from Fri 5 – Wed 31 Dec. Tickets for are on sale now with prices from £24- £39. Concessions are available along with British Sign Language, relaxed, audio described and captioned performances.

Book tickets online at derbylive.co.uk, by phone on 01332 255800, or in person at the Sales and Information Centre, Chapel Street Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU.