New Brighton dame after death of panto star

Panto producer David Hill will be taking over the dame role in this year's production at The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. David admits casting the key role gave him sleepless nights, so when the panto production team suggested he do it, it took little persuasion.

Jason - a Brighton drag queen legend known as Miss Jason - died in April aged 56 following a prolonged illness. Last Christmas, he played one of the wicked step-sisters in the Brighton Family panto.

David - a former Brighton Pride chairman - said: “Jason Sutton was a remarkable talent whose generosity, support, kindness and sheer brilliance on stage made him a beloved part of our company. He was a pure joy to have in our cast and his absence will be deeply felt in this year's production of Sleeping Beauty. However, we are committed to honouring his memory by ensuring the show must go on as he would have wished, and I hope I can do him justice. This year's panto will be a heartfelt tribute to Jason, celebrating his extraordinary character on stage for audiences and colleagues alike.”

David will be playing Dame Nurse Nelly in this year's production. He brings his rich experience to the Magic Beans Theatre, having portrayed an Ugly Sister for six years and produced the highly successful Brighton Family Pantomime for another six years.

www.brightonfamilypanto.com.

Sleeping Beauty is at The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole from December 19-30. There are 22 performances with two adult-only shows.