PANTO royalty Clive Rowe has been confirmed for what will be his 15th appearance at the Hackney Empire this Christmas.

The Olivier-award winning actor leads the cast of Mother Goose, which opens on November 19 and runs all through December. He is also directing.

The theatre has carved out a reputation for staging one of the best pantomimes in the country each year and this week teased its preparations for the new show with a video trailer.

Mother Goose was first created for another Hackney Empire legend, Music Hall comedian Dan Leno, who first performed the show in 1902. Now, the show will be revived in a year which marks the enduring playhouse’s 120th anniversary.

“Packed full of all your favourite pantomime ingredients, this reimagining of the classic rags-to-riches tale is the perfect festive treat,” the theatre’s promotions team said. this week.

“Expect larger than life characters, gloriously outrageous costumes, incredible live music, uncontrollable laughter and loads of audience participation… oh yes, there definitely is.”

Tickets are already on sale from www.hackneyempire.co.uk.