X Factor duo Same Difference to reunite on stage in the Kings Theatre’s summer pantomime Dick Whittington - The Pompey Panto

The theatre in Albert Road has announced that Sarah Smith, half of the X Factor finalist group, will join the cast of Dick Whittington as Fairy Bowbells to team up with her brother Sean on stage.

The original run of Dick Whittington with Sean playing the title role was cut short in December, disappointing thousands of ticket holders.

With theatres on track to reopen as part of the government’s roadmap for recovery, Dick Whittington - The Pompey Panto will return from Friday, July 23 until Sunday, August 8.

Sarah, whose married name is Wilson, runs performing arts school SD Studios in Buckland.

She said: ‘I’m really excited to get back on stage and dust off my fairy wings! When Sean and I called time on Same Difference and started our own projects, I drew a line under performing and focused all my time on the studio and becoming a mother.

‘When the offer came through to be part of Dick Whittington, the timing felt right. Performing again will be strange but I’ve seen the show and heard so many good things from Sean and I can’t wait to get started!’

Widley-born siblings Sarah and Sean shot to fame after reaching the X Factor final in 2007.

Success led to the duo being signed by Simon Cowell’s record label, releasing two studio albums and appearing in panto together, before pursuing their own careers in 2014.

SEE ALSO: REVIEW Dick Whittington, The Pompey Panto at The Kings Theatre: 'Highlighting the talent on our doorsteps’

Sean has since embarked on a solo career whilst continuing theatre work. Most recently, the pair joined forces remotely to record a single in 2020 for the first time 10 years, with proceeds to the NHS.

Sean said: ‘When Same Difference came to an end in 2014, I never thought I'd see the day that Sarah and I would be performing together on the same stage again.

‘It will be our first performance together in seven years and I think the Kings Theatre is the only place it could have happened.

‘We’re going to finish this incredible show that we started at Christmas and I’m so excited that Sarah is a part of that!’

Tickets for Dick Whittington are on sale now. Visit kingsportsmouth.co.uk/dickwhittington for more information.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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