SHOPPERS in Southend’s Victoria Centre got a sneak preview of a fairytale production.

Merlin Productions’ cast of Snow White visited the shopping centre to drum up support for the Hockley drama group’s 16th pantomime.

There will seven performances from February 18 to 21 at the Thorpe Hall School Studio Theatre, in Wakering Road, Southend.

Merlin has donated nearly £46,000 to local charities, including Southend Hospital’s Building Blocks, PinPoint and Strokebuster appeals since forming in 2000.

The group aims to produce a traditional pantomime, appealing to all ages and includes music and dance, slapstick, drama, good-versus-evil, colourful costumes and sing-alongs.

This year’s production will raise money for Little Havens Children’s hospice and the Scouts Association.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 0845 2412538 and range from £8 to £10, with reductions for families and groups.

For show times and more information, visit www.merlin-productions.co.uk.