EastEnders star and X Factor winner confirmed for Hastings panto

EastEnders star Shona McGarty and X Factor winner Matt Terry will lead this year’s festive pantomime at Hastings White Rock.

Spokeswoman Rosie Field said: “The Guildhall Trust and Polka Dot Pantomimes are delighted to announce that acclaimed actress Shona McGarty and chart-topping singer and stage star Matt Terry will lead the cast of Snow White at Hastings White Rock from Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, January 3 2027.

“Leading the company as Snow White, the fairest of them all, is much-loved television star Shona McGarty. Best known for her portrayal of Whitney Dean in BBC’s EastEnders, Shona has earned widespread acclaim for her emotionally rich and compelling performances, establishing herself as one of the iconic show’s most celebrated talents.

“Beyond Albert Square, she has showcased her warmth and charisma on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, winning over audiences nationwide. A passionate and versatile performer, Shona also boasts a strong background in music and live performance.

“In October 2025, Shona released her debut solo single Unapologetically Me that she co-wrote with Steve Anderson known for his work with artists like Kylie Minogue and Take That. Over 10 million viewers tuned in to BBC One’s New Year’s Eve special last year where Shona performed Baby Can I Hold You with Ronan Keating.

“In 2023 Shona made her professional panto debut in Dartford as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and the following year played the lead role of Jenny in 2:22 A Ghost Story in Dublin. Shona’s natural stage presence and powerful voice promise to bring magic, heart, and sparkle to this leading pantomime role.

“Taking centre stage as the dashing Prince Henry is X Factor winner and multi-talented performer Matt Terry.

“A chart-topping singer-songwriter, Matt has amassed over 250 million global streams as an artist, alongside a further billion as a songwriter. His hit singles include Sucker For You, Súbeme La Radio and When Christmas Comes Around.

“Alongside his music success, Matt has built an impressive musical theatre career, with standout roles including Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, Alex in the original cast of Madagascar, and The Grinch, direct from Broadway.

“With his powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence, audiences are in for a royal treat this festive season.

“With two major stars at the helm, this year’s White Rock pantomime promises to be bigger, brighter and more dazzling than ever before. Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning costumes, spectacular song and dance numbers, and all the magic audiences have come to expect, Snow White is set to be the must-see family event of the festive season.”

Tickets are on sale, with an Early Bird offer of £2 off all Band A & B tickets available until July 31. For tickets and information, visit whiterocktheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01424 462280.

The White Rock is a 1,066-seated venue (1,870 standing) in Hastings. Originally the East Sussex Hospital, the building was replaced with the White Rock Pavilion, which was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales in April 1927. It was built for the Hastings Municipal Orchestra. The Pavilion underwent a further remodification in 1937 and again in 1985 when it was renamed the White Rock Theatre.

Since February 1 2024, the White Rock has been operated by the Guildhall Trust, a registered charity whose vision is to become “one of the country’s leading cultural organisations which places its communities at the centre of everything it does, inspiring, entertaining and transforming lives.”