Gemma Oaten to star in Bridlington pantomime Beauty and the Beast
Hull actress Gemma Oaten has tweeted about her excitement at being cast in the pantomime Beauty and the Beast this Christmas. Gemma, former star of Emmerdale and Coronation Street, will be enchanting audiences with her own brand of magic in the part of misguided witch, Mauvaise, in the Christmas show at Bridlington Spa. She said: “The news is out” after the Spa posted the message: “We are delighted to announce that Hull’s own @gemmaoaten will be casting a magical spell over audiences in the enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.”
Gemma responded with a simple but emphatic: “Deeeeelighted tooooooo!!!” Mark Lonsdale, general manager at Bridlington Spa, tweeted: “It’s never too early to talk about Christmas! And I’m SO excited with the casting of @gemmaoaten.” Read more:Gemma Oaten’s joy as therapy rooms and library for eating disorders open in Princes Quay
He said: “As a local actor we’re delighted that Gemma will be spending Christmas in East Yorkshire, she is instantly recognisable by people from the region, and will bring a touch of Yorkshire humour to the show.” Gemma, who has recently co-hosted the Breakfast Show on Viking FM, will be on stage in Beauty and the Beast at Bridlington Spa from December 13 to January 2, 2024. The production promises a happy-ever-after ending as Gemma’s character, the bullying witch Mauvaise, meets her retribution in true pantomime style.
Gemma Oaten will play misguided witch Mauvaise in Beauty and the Beast (Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
A panto payment plan, piloted at the Spa last year, will return, as well as a freeze on ticket prices, said Mr Lonsdale. “We recognise that the cost of living crisis can put a strain on families and by allowing them to spread the cost in this innovative way to pay for theatre tickets, it allows them to still enjoy the magic of panto and get into the festive spirit.”
Gemma starred as Rachel Breckle in ITV’s Emmerdale and has also appeared in BBC’s Casualty, Holby City and Doctors, as well as starring on the big screen with Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Annette Benning in the BAFTA nominated Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. She was recently seen on our TV screens in Coronation Street in the role of Isla Hayworth to much critical acclaim, giving poor Tyrone a run for his money. Gemma has toured the country starring in productions of Up n Under, Bedroom Farce and Alan Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table with Bill Kenwright Productions, and returned to her hometown and the renowned Hull Truck Theatre last year in the role of Shelley in the world premiere of Ladies Unleashed, by playwright Amanda Whittington.
A champion for raising awareness for mental health, eating disorders and bullying, Gemma is the CEO of her family’s charity, SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, making regular appearances on TV, in addition to working in the community, NHS and with corporate businesses on confidence building, public speaking, team-building, resilience and facing adversity.
She is an ambassador for Anti Bullying Pro and works tirelessly as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK.
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