A RENOWNED street dancing group which rose to stardom by winning Britain’s Got Talent are set to star in this year’s pantomime at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion.

Diversity, which was formed by pals from Basildon and east London 15 years ago, will play a key part in this year’s show, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with Billericay-born Ashley Banjo among those taking part.

The festive performances will begin on December 9 and run through until the final day of the year.

Tickets have now gone on sale and the production team say the pantomime will be filled with “sensational songs, an abundance of comedy and stunning scenery”.

Paul Driscoll, marketing manager at Southend Theatres, said: “We at the Cliffs Pavilion are, of course, delighted to be welcoming back Ashley Banjo and Diversity to star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas.

“It will be their third visit to the theatre this year, having brought their own sold-out show to us in March and June, and the third time they will have appeared in pantomime here.

“They are always hugely popular with their staggering and imaginative dance routines.

“Both of their previous pantomimes here sold out and ticket sales are suggesting that we could be looking at a similar scenario this year when they are joined by Pete Firman, Myra Dubois and Kirsty Ingram for what is sure to be another spectacular production.”

Diversity previously took part in the pantomimes Aladdin and Robin Hood staged at the Cliffs in recent years.

Fiona Brown, a 42-year-old Shoebury resident, said: “We have seen Diversity in panto twice now so this will be our third.

“Our boys, who are six and eight, are absolutely fascinated by the effects and spectacular dancing - Diversity always bring something extra to the show.”

Southend resident Emma Lou added: “I saw them in 2019 with my three daughters. It was our first ever pantomime and we thoroughly enjoyed it as a family.

“We can’t wait to see them again this year in Snow White, we have already booked our seats near the front!

“We are very lucky to have such big names in Southend instead of having to travel a distance.”

To buy a ticket, visit southendtheatres.org.uk/online/panto-southend-essex-pantomime.