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STARS of this year’s Brighton Family Panto have been out and about in the City Centre promoting this December’s Sleeping Beauty.
As is tradition, they dressed up in costume at Donatello, Brighton in Brighton Place.
David Hill – who is playing the Dame after the tragic death of well-known Brighton drag queen Jason Sutton – says Donatello is a very special place to visit.
He said: “From our very first panto back in 2017, Donatello Brighton has supported us in so many ways.
“The wonderful Sue Addis was all about championing the local community and my heartfelt thanks to Leo and Mikele Addis for continuing her legacy and supporting the Brighton Family Panto.
“The pizzas were great too!”
Panto producer David will be taking over the Dame role in this year’s production at The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.
Casting this key role has given David sleepless nights, so when the panto production team suggested he do it, it took little persuasion.
Jason – a Brighton drag queen legend known as Miss Jason – died in April aged 56 following a prolonged illness.
Last Christmas, he played one of the wicked step-sisters in the Brighton Family panto.
David – a former Brighton Pride chairman – said: “Jason Sutton was a remarkable talent whose generosity, support, kindness and sheer brilliance on stage made him a beloved part of our company.
“He was a pure joy to have in our cast and his absence will be deeply felt in this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty.
“However, we are committed to honouring his memory by ensuring the show must go on as he would have wished, and I hope I can do him justice.
“This year’s panto will be a heartfelt tribute to Jason, celebrating his extraordinary character on stage for audiences and colleagues alike.”
David will be playing Dame Nurse Nelly in this year’s production.
He brings his rich experience to the Magic Beans Theatre, having portrayed an Ugly Sister for six years and produced the highly successful Brighton Family
Director Jordan Langford said: “David’s dedication to his craft and creative understanding of what audiences love about panto make him the perfect choice to carry on Jason’s legacy.”
David will be joined by BBC Radio Sussex’s Allison Ferns as Caribosse and Ellie Earl as the Sleeping Beauty.
Sleeping Beauty is taking place at The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
There are 22 performances with two adult only shows, and tickets are already selling fast.
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