Marlene from Only Fools and Horses revealed as Snow White pantomime villain

They are pleased to reveal that Sue Holderness will be playing the villain of this year’s festive family feast, which runs at the Leeming Street Venue from Saturday, December 1, 2018 to Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Sue is a much-loved British actress, best known for her role as Marlene in John Sullivan’s hit BBC1 sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

Sue played this iconic role from 1984 until the final episode in 2003. Such was the success of the character, that Sue and her on screen husband, John Challis, were asked to co-star in the hugely popular spin-off The Green Green Grass, which ran for four series, and three Christmas specials. Sue’s numerous other TV credits include The New Avengers, Minder, Heartbeat, Cold Feet and Casualty.

Alongside her work on screen, Sue also works extensively on stage, and can currently be seen in the National Tour of Quartet, alongside Paul Nicholas, Wendi Peters and Jeff Rawle. Among Sue’s many other theatre credits are the acclaimed one-woman play Our Kid, about Myra Hindley, Calendar Girls (four UK tours) and An Inspector Calls (UK tour).

Sue has been a guest on a number of TV shows, with recent appearances including Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Loose Women and All Star Mr & Mrs, which she won! Most recently, Sue was one of the celebrities on Channel 5’s Five Celebrities go in Search of Santa. Sue will be searching for Santa from Nottinghamshire this year, as she takes to the stage in the role of Wicked Queen for UK Productions.

Sue said: “I’m greatly looking forward to frightening the good folk of Mansfield this year as the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

“It’s one of my favourite pantomimes, having everything you could possibly want at Christmas time - wonderful music, great comedy, a moving love story and a very scary Wicked Queen.

“Come and enjoy the fun, if you dare.”

Sue is in high demand for pantomime every year, usually playing the role of the ‘baddie’. She did play the Good Fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond one year, but discovered that she greatly prefers being bad.

Mansfield Palace Theatre’s Cultural Services Manager, Andrew Tucker, is delighted with the casting for this year’s 62 show run of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

He said: “We take great pride in presenting big name popular stars in our pantos and it is a treat to add Sue to the list for the first time.”

Sue will be joined on stage by the hugely popular Adam Moss, returning to Mansfield for the fourth time following great reviews from customers year after year.

Adam said: “Well what can I say Mansfield? I’m back, and it’s all your fault! I’m absolutely delighted to be playing Muddles in this year’s panto.

“I couldn’t think of going anywhere else - and you lot won’t let me! I can’t thank the people of Mansfield enough, because without your comments and loyalty to the theatre and myself, I wouldn’t be returning.”

Mansfield Palace Theatre has already sold over 15 per cent of tickets for this year’s pantomime run, with customers reminded that Pay Now Save Now tickets are available until September 1, offering a saving of £1 per ticket. To book tickets for the show which includes signed and relaxed performances, visit mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01623 633133.