The audience at last night’s performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at St Helens Theatre Royal got a special Christmas present when comedian Johnny Vegas walked onstage.

The Benidorm and Still Open All Hours star has been playing the role of the Magic Mirror during this year’s festive production, but appearing via pre-recorded video projection each night. However, the star surprised the cast and the audience by making a very special live appearance.

During the second act it was made to seem that there was a technical problem with Johnny’s projection, with an announcement made that the performance would resume shortly. 

The packed auditorium erupted with cheers and applause when everyone realised that the voiceover they heard from the projector, was in fact coming live from backstage with Johnny then emerging from the wings. He then performed the remaining mirror scenes live. 

Johnny Vegas said: “What a great night! It has been cracking being home and on the Theatre Royal stage, I’m so glad I was able to get here for a live show. The cast have all been brilliant, it really is a superb production. Thanks for having me St Helens! Now if you haven’ seen it yet – what are you waiting for, get your tickets booked!” 

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager, added: “We got the call from Johnny last week that he was able to come and make a live appearance and we were absolutely thrilled. Only a few people knew, and it has been so hard trying to keep it a secret. The audience was ecstatic when they realised he was there in person, it was a fantastic show.”

Snow White, which also stars Wild at Heart and Coronation Street’s Lucy-Jo Hudson, tells the story of the beautiful, kind-hearted girl and the jealous queen who will do anything to be named the fairest in the land.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is open now until Sunday 14 January 2018.

For more information visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Picture: David Munn Photography.