Mirror, mirror on the wall, Derby Arena has the fairest pantomime cast of them all!
Derby City Council’s Derby LIVE team and Little Wolf Entertainment are thrilled to announce that CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill will star as Snow White in this year’s dazzling festive extravaganza.
Best known as one of the leading faces of CBeebies, Evie brings her immense warmth and talent to Derby after years of connecting with young audiences on screen and stage. A graduate of the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Evie’s impressive stage credentials include the musical SHOUT at the Edinburgh Fringe and numerous hit pantomimes nationwide.
When she isn't bringing magic to the stage, she can be found in the CBeebies House, hosting Time to Play on BBC iPlayer, or starring in the channel’s annual Christmas and Shakespeare productions.
Evie said:
Panto is so magical and I’m thrilled to be heading to Derby to play Snow White. Panto is usually children’s first experience of theatre, and to see their reactions is an absolute joy.
I can’t wait to join the incredible team at the Arena to bring this classic story to life for families across the region.
Evie will be appearing alongside West End talent Katie Paine, who is set to bring her powerful vocals and commanding presence to the role of the Wicked Queen. Katie brings a wealth of stage experience to the production, having starred in numerous major theatre shows across the UK, including celebrated roles in We Will Rock You in London's West End and national touring productions.
No Derby panto would be complete without the city’s award-winning Dame. Morgan Brind, panto producer and co-founder of Little Wolf Entertainment, will once again be pulling on the outrageous frocks and leading the festive mischief.
He will be reunited with local favourite Kristian Cunningham, who charmed audiences last year as Dick Whittington and has just finished a run of Little Shop of Horrors at Derby Theatre, and the brilliant Roddy Peters, who also makes a very welcome return to the Derby Arena stage after last year’s turn as the Alderman.
Morgan and fellow producer Alan Bowles, of Little Wolf Entertainment, said:
We’re delighted to welcome Evie and Katie to the team this year. Evie’s warmth and connection with young audiences make her the perfect Snow White, while Katie will bring a fantastic presence to the Wicked Queen.
We’re very excited to get started and to bring the full cast together for Derby audiences this Christmas – Snow White is going to be our biggest and best yet.
It’s the first time Snow White has been Derby’s panto since 2008 and with spectacular sets, lavish costumes, and side-splitting slapstick comedy, it has all the ingredients for the perfect family Christmas treat.
Audiences are advised not to delay checking their magic mirrors – tickets are expected to sell fast. Book early to secure the best seats in the house, or prepare to be wickedly disappointed!
Snow White will be at Derby Arena from Friday 4 December until Thursday 31 December 2026. There will be BSL sign-interpreted, audio described, captioned and relaxed performances available. Tickets are priced from £23 to £38 with concessions and family tickets available. Book now on the Derby LIVE website.