West End actress and singer Marti Webb broke away from rehearsals for the London run of Thoroughly Modern Millie to reveal the dark side of her character this week.

Marti, who had an international recording career in the 1970s with hits like Take That Look Off Your Face and Ben, is playing the Wicked Witch in pantomime at the Bournemouth Pavilion this year.

She led the cast, including CBBC presenter Anna Kumble who plays Snow White, fellow kids' presenter Jez Edwards, Dame Charles Burden and Dorset actress and TV game show presenter Maria Rice Mundy, on a publicity photo shoot outside the theatre.

"It's so good to be playing a baddy," she said.

"I've tended to play things like principal boy before. It'll be great to hear the children booing and hissing."

Marti is currently preparing to open as Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie in the West End with Bournemouth actress Amanda Holden in the starring role. She has been given three weeks off to appear in the panto.

Amanda herself appeared in panto at the Pavilion back in 1995, playing Cinderella opposite her ex-husband Les Dennis as Buttons.

You can see Snow White at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth from December 17 to January 11. Tickets cost from £11.50. Box office: 01202 456456.