Coronation Street star Ryan Mulvey is swapping the cobbles for Liverpool this Christmas. The 20-year-old actor, who plays Brody Michaelis on the ITV soap, is the star of the Epstein Theatre's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime. Ryan appears as Prince Fredrick alongside Liverpool icon Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror.
From Hollyoaks to the panto stage
In an interview with the ECHO, Ryan, who also appeared as JJ Osborne in Hollyoaks, spoke about the excitement surrounding the Christmas panto. The Altrincham-born star will draw upon his musical theatre training for the role, having studied at TMC Performing Arts in Manchester.
Speaking to the ECHO at the press call day, Ryan described Liverpool as the "greatest city" and said he is looking forward to spending more time there over the next few months. He said: "I'm having a great time, I'm in sequins and I'm in Liverpool, doing my panto in the greatest city. I'm excited to work with the other actors and entertain people at Christmas which is obviously a magical time of year."
First panto and a different kind of role
Snow White will be the first time Ryan will be stepping on stage for a pantomime. Asked why he chose Liverpool for his first panto, the actor told the ECHO: "It's the people, I feel like if you're doing a pantomime you want Scousers in the theatre."
He added: "Liverpudlians are here for a good time, it's going to be a merry time and who doesn't want that. I haven't sang for a while, but I will be singing so you can come down and see how well that goes. I haven't been on stage since I was about 13."
Ryan's role as Prince Fredrick will be completely different from his character on the Manchester-based soap, but he has been asking his co-stars for their top tips when it comes to panto. He said: "The Prince is going to be so charismatic and full on and charming. But I think there's also a lot of similarities with Brody. They're both young, they're both trying to find true love but this is on stage, it's live and anything can happen, and I think that's what is exciting."
Support from the Corrie cast
Ryan spoke about the support he has received from the Corrie cast, even asking his Kirkby-born co-star Tony Maudsley (George Shuttleworth) for advice. He said: "Tony has given me top tips at work, he's done a few pantos and he's a Scouser. He's absolutely hilarious, I think he said he wore an Annie outfit with a ginger wig when he did a panto."
He added: "Obviously he played a hairdresser in Benidorm and he absolutely loved that. You have to be flexible as an actor and I'm really excited to give it my best go, and get all the tips off Tony and Sue Devaney [Debbie Webster], she's also been helping me. I think she's more excited than me in some ways. The whole Corrie cast are hopefully coming down in a minibus and they couldn't be more proud."
Dates, tickets and special guests
Snow White will run from December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027 at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool. Fans may also spot the voices of some Liverpool legends, as Ricky Tomlinson, Pete Price, Louis Emerick and John May are providing voiceovers for some of the Dwarfs.
Teasing what fans can expect, the theatre said: "When the Magic Mirror declares Snow White the fairest of them all, the Wicked Queen’s jealousy erupts into an evil plan. Determined to reclaim her title, she orders the young princess’s demise. Luck is on Snow White’s side as she escapes into the deep dark forbidden forest and finds shelter in a strange cottage which is the home of some unusual characters."
"But the jealous Queen will not stop until Snow White is vanquished forever and, taking things into her own hands, a poisoned red apple is all she needs to ensure she regains the title of ‘fairest of them all’. Meanwhile Prince Fredrick is looking for his perfect bride. And with the help of Muddles and Nurse Nelly, true love is sure to win the day."
Panto director Chantelle Joseph said: “I’m absolutely delighted to return to the historic and beautiful Epstein Theatre for another exciting Christmas pantomime season, this time with the enchanting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We have a fabulous cast of talented actors ready to entertain the Epstein’s loyal family audiences, led by Ryan Mulvey as the handsome prince and with Liverpool’s queen of panto, Leanne Campbell, back on stage in person to bring her irrepressible sparkle to the role of the Magic Mirror. Not forgetting some very special guest stars who are lending their voices to the parts of the dwarfs.”
She added: “I can promise everyone a memorable festive show complete with captivating performances, a brilliant soundtrack and plenty of seasonal sparkle.” Tickets are available from £13. Book online at www.epsteintheatre.com or at the box office on the ground floor daily from 10am-6pm.
