Rotherham’s Tinkerbell takes to the stage

8-year-old Millie Ducker was chosen out of dozens of other young hopefuls to become Peter Pan's fairy friend in the panto, which runs from December 5 to January 13.

After wowing panto producers Spillers in the auditions, held at Rotherham Town Hall on September 23, Millie was given the nod over other finalists Laura Hancock, Maddison King and Millie Birch to don the fairy wings in the biggest show of the year.

Millie will now go onto film her scenes for the panto, for them to be projected onto a screen during each performance to give the illusion of being a proper fairy in flight.

Rotherham Theatres Manager, Mark Scott, said: "Millie blew us away when she auditioned for the role, and despite how amazing the other finalists were, it was obvious we had found our Tinkerbell.

"Millie was an absolute natural, she had all the cheeky charm and energy of Tinkerbell and took us to Neverland with her performance.

"We're now going to film her flying around on stage so it can be projected onto a screen behind the on-stage performers during the show, and although that means Millie won't actually be performing physically in any of the 74 shows, she has been invited to the opening night and will be there in spirit each and every performance.

"I'd like to thank everyone for auditioning, everyone that came along was fill of energy and life and we certainly saw a lot of talent out there. Unfortunately there can only be one Tinkerbell, but we hope it won't stop everybody from auditioning again next year.

"The three finalists, Laura, Maddison and Millie Birch, have all been offered tickets to see the panto as thanks for their fantastic auditions.

"Peter Pan was a fantastic success when we had it as the panto a few years ago and, at the time, broke box office records. We're hoping that this one, with new technological advancements adding to the magic, this will be the biggest, and best, show ever held at the Civic Theatre."

Tickets for Peter Pan, which takes place at the Civic theatre from December 5 to January 13, are now on sale.

Peak performance ticket prices are: Adults £13, children £11.50, family ticket £46.

Off Peak performance ticket prices are: Adults £12, children £10.50, and a family ticket, which has to include a minimum of two children, is £42.

To secure your seat call the Rotherham Theatres Box Office on 01709 823621 or book online via the Rotherham Theatres Website.