LOCAL performer Charlotte Allen has been cast in Weymouth’s summer pantomime.

Pirates of the Pavilion is at Weymouth Pavilion this summer from July 15 to August 26.

Performers from all over the country auditioned for roles in the panto, but the part of Buccaneer Becky went to Charlotte, who has appeared on stage at the pavilion before in WOW Youth Musical Theatre’s production of Grease and as part of the ensemble in last year’s Christmas Pantomime Cinderella.

She has also performed on stage at the Sadlers Wells Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.

Charlotte said: “I am thrilled to be playing Buccaneer Becky at the Pavilion this Summer.

“It came as a complete shock as it was my first experience of a professional audition, and I wasn’t really expecting to get the part – when I got the call saying that I had been successful I was speechless!

“Although I’m in the middle of exams at the moment, I’ve already started learning the script and cannot wait to get started.”

The production is being brought to Weymouth by Ron Martin Management.

Josh Bennett, of Ron Martin Management, said: “We are over the moon that we were able to offer Charlotte the role of Buccaneer Becky in our production of Pirates of the Pavilion.

“We saw so many people over several days of casting, and Charlotte absolutely blew us away in her audition.

“She is a star in the making and I would urge local residents to book their tickets now for a chance to catch her performance before she becomes famous “The show has been written especially for Weymouth and we are very lucky to have an extremely talented troupe of dancers on board, all of whom live in the local area.

“Our choreographer, Holly Williams, is from Dorchester so there really is a local feel to the production…the show is even set in Ye Olde Wyke Regis!”

Rehearsals have already begun for the production, which opens in July and runs every Tuesday throughout the Summer Holidays.

Pirates of the Pavilion, featuring sensational songs, spectacular scenery, colourful costumes and ultra-violet puppetry follows Seadog Billy, Max the Pirate Mouse, Melody the Magical Mermaid and a whole host of hilarious characters as they attempt to thwart the plans of the evil Captain Blackhead!

Performances take place every Tuesday from July 15 to August 26 twice daily.