It’s the nation’s favourite fairy tale – and they’re going to be having a ball at The Stiwt Theatre, in Rhos.
The all-star cast who will be bringing the magic of Cinderella to life was unveiled at the official launch.
Topping the bill will be the Rhyl-born pop heart-throb Andy Scott-Lee who hit the big time as a member of the boy band, 3SL, with his brothers Ant and Steve.
Andy also starred in the reality show, Totally Scott-Lee, with his sister Lisa, the former Steps star.
He’s joined by former Big Brother hunk Dale Howard, who later earned tabloid fame as the boyfriend of fellow contestant Chantelle Houghton. and the talented singer Alison Crawford will be playing the title role.
Delighted pupils from St Christopher’s School, in Wrexham, and St Mary’s School, in Ruabon, were treated to a snake preview of the panto at the launch.
According to Rebecca Griffiths, the manager of the Stiwt, the panto will have “that extra wow factor with rich costumes, wonderful choreography and a few added little twists to the tale”.
She said: “Without a doubt this is going to be a magical show, even bigger and better than last year which was something new for Rhos and the whole Wrexham area.
The panto is being produced by Lee Kelly, who runs the Liverpool-based LHK Productions.
Lee is confident his second professional pantomime at the Stiwt Theatre, Rhos is going to be a massive hit.
He said: “We have Alison Crawford, who did really well in, and very nearly won, the 2007 reality TV show Grease is the Word playing Cinderella.
“Last year’s Stiwt audiences really took to Alison when she played the lead role in Snow White. She became a big favourite and earned rave reviews for her performances.
“Then we have Andy Scott-Lee who was in the chart topping 3SL. Andy appeared in the second series of Pop Idol in 2003 only losing out to Michelle McManus.
“Andy, who will play Prince Charming, has appeared on Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway and Never Mind The Buzzcocks as well as having a host of other TV appearances to his name.
“We also have Big Brother 9 contestant Dale Howard who is playing Dandini, Prince Charming’s man servant. Dale was a big hit last year at the Stiwt when he played the Prince in Snow White.
“Add to that the hilarious Richard Wood, who plays Muddles, and the comic antics of Steve Davies and Michael Chapman as the Ugly Sisters and we have a great main cast.
“Then of course there’s all the dancers, children and ensemble plus two Shetland ponies that will pull Cinderella’s coach onto the stage. It’s really is going to be a great show.”
Andy Scott-Lee says he is thrilled to be appearing at the Stiwt Theatre as he simply loves doing pantomime.
He said: “I have always enjoyed panto, Cinderella will be my fifth. It’s unbelievably hard work but so worth the effort.
“It’s brilliant to see children and parents enjoying a family show and really getting into the story. I can’t wait to get started to be honest.”
Dale Howard says he couldn’t agree more.
He said: “It’s so good and Cinderella, which let’s be honest is the nation’s favourite, will be even better than Snow White. I agree with Andy, it’s really hard work but such a pleasure and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
But Lee Kelly is quick to point out that Cinderella’s 33 performances at the Stiwt Theatre is the culmination of a year of hard work just putting the show together.
He said: “I literally started planning Cinderella in January just days after we finished last year’s pantomime, Snow White. We signed up Alison and Dale within a few days before adding Andy to the cast.
“Putting on a big professional show is a mammoth task. We have a hundred costumes to sort out then there’s the music, lighting, sound and choreography to get right.
“The cast get the script a week or so before we start rehearsals on Sunday, December 4th. That’s the start of the real hard work as we polish the show ready for the opening performances for schools on December 13th. We then go into a 33 performance run ending on January 2nd.”
“Tickets are already on sale and I would advise everyone to come along and enjoy a tremendous family show. The Wrexham area has not seen a panto as good or a production as big as this wonderful pantomime – ever!”
For tickets to Cinderella call the Box Office on 01978 841300 or visit www.stiwt.co.uk
