It’s carry on at the panto for Barbara

Jan 3 2008 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

SOAP opera queen Barbara Windsor was in Sunderland yesterday for some carry on up at the Empire.

The bubbly star was accompanied by fellow EastEnders actor Steve McFadden on a special visit to Sunderland Empire to see Cinderella as it nears its curtain call this weekend.

And she was looking forward to catching up with old friend Les Dennis, who plays Buttons in the panto alongside Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney as Baron Hardup.

Before the performance, Barbara said: “I’m really excited to see Cinderella , particularly to catch Mickey Rooney in his panto debut, as well as catching up with my good friend Les Dennis.

“I can’t wait – it’s going to be just amazing and we’re really going to make a night of it.”

The former Carry On star’s love of panto had rubbed off on McFadden, who joined her in Sunderland with his family.

Barbara said: “I love the whole thing about pantomime and I think it’s fantastic.”

Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchell is the casting director of pantomime company First Family Entertainment and she added: “I’m really lucky as I get the opportunity to see some of the best pantos across the country.”

Cinderella – which also stars singer Michelle Heaton, her husband Andy Scott Lee and Mickey Rooney’s wife Jan Rooney – ends its runs at Sunderland Empire on Sunday.

For tickets costing £7.50-£20.50, visit SunderlandEmpire. org.uk or call 0844 847-2499.