EVEN with all the glitter and magic of panto season, there are few people who can match the glamour of Sherrie Hewson - unless of course we're talking about veteran Dame Nigel Ellacott!

Revealed as part of the cast at the Venue Cymru launch of Sleeping Beauty in June, Ellacott started as he means to go on by sashaying into view in a gown bedecked with more than 300 Swarovski crystals formerly owned by Irish entertainer Danny La Rue.

With such star power, Ellacott as the Queen is perfectly placed to share the spotlight with the former Coronation Street star Hewson as Nurse Temple Savage and ventriloquist Kieran Powell as Muddles.

Returning to Venue Cymru, Ellacott told The Pioneer: "This year I'm having three new costumes, and I'll be changing my costume about 16 times.

"It's also my third panto with Sherrie, and I'm just looking forward to having fun together. "I's so nice to have a little twinkle going with Sherrie - so we're both so excited to be coming back here.

"You can't stop her being glamorous, but she is my staff in the show - to be honest, I think my character is overpaying her - but she will be absolutely glittering.

"It's going to be magic, and that's what it's all about."

To see the incredibly glamorous dame in action, get yourself to Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru from Saturday 7 until Sunday 29.

Tickets start at £19.50, to book and for show times visit venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.