Traditional panto a shoe-in as theatre welcomes Cinderella
First classic show there for 56 years
TRADITIONAL panto returns to The New Theatre Royal this Christmas for the first time in more than 50 years.
Cinderella opens at the city centre theatre on December 15 and runs until December31.
Dick Whittington, starring Dick Emery and Charles Hawtrey, was the last classic pantomime performed on the Portsmouth stage in 1965.
Cinderella promises to be a magical production of enchantment and comedy.
With live music, stunning sets, slick choreography and sensational costumes, audiences can also expect lots of panto fun.
With a line-up of professional actors from stage and screen, Cinderella will be played by Emily Day, Buttons by Michael Burgen and Prince Charming by Lucy Andic.
The Ugly Sisters will be played by experienced dames and double act Harry Howle and Chris Aukett.
They are joined by Alice Redmond as the Fairy Godmother, who recently received a TMA nomination as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Musical for Tracy Beaker Gets Real.
The show is also something of a homecoming for
We hope to bring families and friends together for a truly festive experience. Chris Jordan
Emily, who grew up in the area.
The former pupil at Padnell Infant and Oaklands Catholic schools in Waterlooville was a regular on the city’s stages before moving away to London.
Now living in Coventry, she says: ‘It's so nice to be back here and doing something professionally.
‘My family are all still here, and doing panto in your hometown feels a bit like gold dust.
‘You can literally be anywhere around the country and Christmas can be very hectic.
‘You’ll be driving back home to spend your one day off with family, so it will be
so nice to be here for all of Christmas.
‘I'm just so excited to get on that stage again.’
Cinderella is being put on by Jordan Productions, who are best known in the area for their shows at Ferneham Hall, Fareham.
Managing director Chris Jordan said: ‘After cancelling the show last year due to the pandemic, we are more excited than ever to be bringing our magical production of Cinderella to Portsmouth audiences this Christmas and new year.
‘Full of surprises, fun and laughter, we hope to bring families and friends together for a truly enjoyable and festive experience.’
Tickets range from £10 to £22.50 and can be booked online at newtheatreroyal. com or by calling the box office on (023) 9264 9000.