SOAP star Kay Purcell will play the Wicked Queen in the Palace Theatre's Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs later this year, it has been announced.

Well-known as Cynthia Daggert in Emmerdale, Kay has also starred in Coronation Street, Casualty, Children's Ward, My Parents are Aliens and Cracker. She has also recently taken part in Celebrity Fit Club.

The Paul Holman Associates production will also feature Brian Tracey as Muddles. The stand-up comic has appeared in numerous pantomimes, including Aladdin, Cinderella, Jack and The Beanstalk and Dick Whittington and this will be his sixth outing as Muddles.

The role of Dame Dolly Dumpling will be taken by Simon Howe, who has appeared in West End shows The Best Little Whore House in Texas and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as well as in serious drama productions Macbeth and The Cherry Orchard. His panto credits include Jack and The Beanstalk and Babes in the Wood.

Snow White herself is played by Rosie Jenkins, her fourth time in the role. Last year, she starred in the record-breaking production at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth.

Other cast members include Nigel Wild as Egor the Henchman, who will also be directing the production, Victoria Tully as Fairy Snowdrop and Nicholas Maude as Price Richard of Romancia, fresh from appearing in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

Early booking is advised for the show, which runs from December 8 to January 4 and includes matinees and several morning performances.

There are various ticket price options available from the box office on 65203.