Blackpool dancer from Barbara Jackson's Theatre Arts Centre is performing with her family in the Sleeping Beauty panto at Blackpool Grand

Lexie Kate Wilson, 10, who has been ‘dancing since [she] was a baby’, has performed around half of the 52 shows during the season, along with stars Steve Royle and Hayley Tamaddon.

But it’s been extra special as she has been able to spend quality time with mum, Katie Hill, who works as the choreographer, and grandmother, Lorraine Hill the company manager, of the annual Christmas pantomime which the family has been involved with for 23 years.

Mum, Katie Hill, started out as a dancer in the show, before taking on a role as a assistant choreographer and then being asked to lead the routines in Cinderella 2008.

She said: “It’s been a really special touch to have all three generations working together. It makes it a real family Christmas. It's hard having to be on the production side of things and also be a mum. I’m always trying to remember everything and make sure she remembers her costumes and tights.”

Lexie Kate trains five days a week at the Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre, where her grandmother, Lorraine Hill, is the principal. Every year the school gets the opportunity for around 40 kids to audition for 16 parts – and then split into two teams of 8 for the season.

Lorraine took over as principal when Barbara Jackson, now 86, developed Alzheimers. She said: “I’ve had all my grandchildren go through as [juvenile dancers], but they haven’t been able to do this for two years during Covid. We’re so grateful to the Blackpool Grand and to Martin at UK Productions for allowing the children to be a part of something so special.

The children think Steve Royle is family – he makes them all laugh and it’s just a family feel good show, for us as well. It's also a life lesson. it teaches discipline.”

Lexie Kate, who attends Northfold Primary school in Cleveleys, has had school friends and teachers come to watch her, as well as family from Newcastle.

And she’s also made friends with the cast.

Katie added: “Being on stage dancing with their friends is the best experience. The memories they make through doing this panto is something they take with them for life.

The children weren’t able to join in the shows for the last two years due to Covid, so Katy said it’s nice to welcome them back in 2022.

"We're such a massive family at the theatre and with Martin Dodd and UK productions.

It's a wonderful team, we have this panto bubble every year for six whole weeks and every one that passes I feel so lucky to be involved with such a great production and team."

Martin Dodd’s production of Sleeping Beauty is a delightful treat for the whole family and it runs until Jan 01, 2023.

Contact [email protected] or call 01253 290 190 to book.