ONE of Weymouth's own is relishing the opportunity to headline the stage at The Pavilion as part of this year's Christmas pantomime.

Charlotte Allen, who is born and bred in the Southill area of Weymouth, will appear as Princess Aurora in the Enchantment Entertainments production of Sleeping Beauty over the festive period.

Charlotte told the Echo: "It's pretty awesome to be fair. I have been lucky enough to perform a few times at the pavilion. I did Pirates of the Pavilion from 2014-17 so four years.

"This is my first Christmas panto as a leading lady which is really exciting.

"The Christmas panto has quite a special presence in Weymouth. It gets quite a hype and a lot of community engagement which is really fun.

"The audiences are always top-notch. I can't wait to get back into an actual theatre and be performing back at home!

"I'll have friends and family who will be able to come and support, I guarantee every day there will be someone that I know watching.

"I have a big family, four other siblings and they have children as well. I imagine there will be a strong presence at one of the shows!"

Charlotte earned her right to star in the role by coming out trumps in the producers 'search for a local star' quest and will feature alongside former celebrity Big Brother star Stevi Ritchie who will play Chester the Jester.

Other cast members include Chris Casserly as Dame, Ellena Bacon as Fairy Fortywinks, Harriet Bacon as the panto villain Carabosse, and Tommy McGowan plays the Prince.

Charlotte, who has been working in Turkey with TUI since March and is due back at the beginning of November for the start of rehearsals, explained how she had to audition virtually to get the part. She said: "I was really fortunate that they were able to do auditions for me online obviously with me being away. I got in contact through Weymouth Pavilion with the company and sent them my CV, my reels and other things.

"On the audition day they linked me up through zoom and I sang the song, I did some scripts and a couple days later I was lucky enough to get the phone call and be offered the job!"

You can see Charlotte and the rest of the cast in action between December 10 and January 2.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.weymouthpavilion.com, or via phone at 01305 783225.