I’m following in my dad’s footsteps as I take a principal role in panto for the first time

Blackpool panto legend Steve Royle’s daughter Rosie is following in his footsteps as she takes a principal tole in a pantomime for the first time.

Steve has featured in the panto at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for the last 23 years - the whole of Rosie’s life and then some - and Rosie grew up seeing her dad prepare for panto and she shared the stage with him in the production company on several occasions.

But, having recently graduated from Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey, she is thrilled to be making her principal debut as the Spirit of the Ring in the production of Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, running from December 5 to January 3.

Steve says he is “super proud” and added: “Panto is a great Christmas tradition - just magical. It’s brilliant for kids, and I think having one of my kids in panto means she is going to have a happy Christmas for the rest of her life.

“Rosie practically learned to walk at the Grand while I was in panto so it’s wonderful that she is taking a principal role of her own.”

Rosie, 21, said: “I’ve always associated this time of year with my dad going of to panto and it’s great. It signals the start of the Christmas period and we get to enjoy it for whole month.

“I was in a few pantos with my dad when was a little girl and I have been in the ensemble at the Grand for a couple of year but it’s a real thrill to have my first principal role.”

Steve , who recently played Eric Morecambe in The Last Laugh at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, will be taking to the stage at the Grand as Silly Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk, also featuring ex-Coronation Street star Lisa George, from December 4 to January 3.

He and Rosie plan to see each other’s panto at some stage during the season. “We’ve checked the schedules and identified dates and I’m looking forward to it,” said Steve. “It will make a change for me to see a panto other than the one I’m in.”