Kacey Ainsworth and Ben James-Ellis are to star in a new production of Puss In Boots at the Arts theatre this Christmas from 18 November to 9 January (press night 30 November).
Puss In Boots, by regular Hackney Empire panto writers Susie McKenna and Steven Edis, follows last year’s production of A Christmas Carol, also staged at the Arts theatre by Tiny Tim Productions.
Based on a 17th century French story, Puss In Boots tells the tale of a devious feline who determines to use every trick in the book to propel himself and his master up the social ladder.
Ainsworth is best known to TV viewers as Little Mo in the soap EastEnders. However she had previously appeared in stage productions at the Royal Court and National Theatre. Since leaving the soap she has been seen on screen in Holby Blue and Hotel Babylon and starred in Carrie’s War in the West End last summer.
James-Ellis was propelled into the public eye when he took part in the BBC’s search for a Joseph, Any Dream Will Do. Though he didn’t win the chance to wear the famous coloured coat, shortly after he made his West End debut in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury theatre.
In addition to writing last year’s A Christmas Carol at the Arts theatre, Puss In Boots writers McKenna and Edis are well known for their long collaboration at Hackney Empire, where they have staged numerous pantomimes including Mother Goose, Dick Whittington and Aladdin. The duo will have another busy Christmas this year as they return to Hackney to stage Jack And The Beanstalk which runs concurrently with Puss In Boots.
CB