DOUBLE TROUBLE!
CURTAIN SET TO RISE ON VENUE’S PANTO
CINDERELLA and her ugly sisters will be gracing the stage at a city theatre this Christmas – in a new professional pantomime.
The Mitchell Arts Centre (MAC) in Hanley, is staging the production in its first panto in several years.
It has been written and directed by Stoke-on-trent’s own Tim Churchill, of TLC Productions, and features BBC Radio Stoke DJ Den Siegertsz as Baron Hardup and Tim’s partner Catherine O’reilly who plays the fairy godmother.
Tim – who plays one of the ugly sisters – said: “The show has been produced locally but we have a cast from all across the country.
“This is the first professional panto at the MAC and we are all really excited.
“The first time I took part in Cinderella was at Hanley’s Theatre Royal about 21 years ago along with Stephen Mulhern and Jim Davidson, so it’s really nice for me to be coming back to where it all started.”
He added: “We have stuck to the traditional storyline but there is a scattering of silliness throughout and a few surprises along the way which makes it perfect for all the family. The set has been specially built for this show and it is incredibly slick. We have had a lot of fun with it.”
Tim has vowed to make the pantomime an annual Christmas event at the theatre and already has ideas for next year’s production.
He said: “It will take people a while to get used to the fact that there is another panto in town.”
Matthew Dye plays Cinderella’s close friend Buttons in the panto.
He said: “This is the first time I have ever performed in Stoke-ontrent and I’m really pleased to be able to spend some time here.
“For some people, this show will be their very first theatre experience so I’m excited and grateful to be a part of it.”
Liam Burton – who plays Dandini – added: “The show is incredible and I can’t wait for people to see it. The cast has had so much fun making the show, we have all gelled really well and hopefully that will translate to the audience.”
The show at the Broad Street venue will run for two weeks from today until December 31.
And from Saturday it will feature the Hanley Babes – which are being brought back to the stage for first time since the 1950s.
Tickets for Cinderella are priced between £10 and £19 and every child will be given a free ice cream and a merchandise voucher.
They are available from Music Mania in Hanley by calling 01782 206000 or online at musicmaniauk. com. Alternatively, call the venue on 01782 409307 for more information.