THEATRE Royal Winchester is looking forward to the opening night of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella.
The show opens to the public in one weeks’ time, running from Thursday, November 30, until Monday, January 1.
The pantomime’s cast and support cast are now in rehearsals, busy learning lines, songs and dance routines; and two of the cast – Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, who this year play Fairy Kind-heart and Buttons – attended Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On last week to warm up the crowd before the High Street was bathed in glittering lights.
The theatre’s stage has once again been painted especially for the show and the pantomime’s set is being constructed; while finishing touches are being made to the costumes. The theatre’s front-of-house team has also decorated a number of Christmas trees to make sure the foyer areas look extra festive for the season ahead.
Cinderella tells the story of a servant girl whose Fairy Godmother transforms her into a beautiful princess to go to the ball to meet the handsome Prince. But when the clock strikes 12, she must flee, leaving the Prince to search his kingdom for her – with only the help of her glass slipper! It is suitable for families and is filled with corny jokes, original songs, live music and plenty of audience participation.
The pantomime is produced by Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, and comes from the same creative team behind last year’s record-breaking Wizard of Oz, as well as Beauty and the Beast and Dick Whittington – the award-nominated pairing of writer, director and lyricist James Barry, with music by Simon Slater.
SEE ALSO: 'I’m so proud': Performing arts pupils wow at Christmas lights switch on event
Accessible performances are available, as well as the option of live streaming the pantomime at home and more information is available via the Cinderella show pages on the theatre’s website. For best prices and ticket availability, audiences are encouraged to look at performances early in the run.
This year’s pantomime is supported by Play to the Crowd’s Corporate Partner, regional law firm, Paris Smith.
Cinderella will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday, November 30 to Monday, January 1, at various times. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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