Cinderella is coming to Camberley Theatre this Christmas

Last week saw the launch of Camberley Theatre's Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, with the cast meeting the press and the public for the first time!  

I went along to meet the stars of the show in the afternoon, then back to the theatre for  the Group Booker's launch in the evening and I have to say that the excitement and expectation of a really magical Christmas show are beginning to be felt!  This year's show is being sponsored by The Lisa May Foundation, a local charity with strong links to Camberley and Surrey Heath.

Camberley's Cinderella is Louisa Lytton, best known for her role in Eastenders but also to the followers of Strictly Come Dancing.  Louisa was cast as Ruby Allen in the popular soap in 2005 and the following year went on to dance with Vincent Simone in Series Four of Strictly Come Dancing. Together Louisa and Vincent went on to claim fourth place behind Emma Bunton, Matt Dawson and the eventual winner Mark Ramprakash.  Louisa and Vincent went on to appear in the live touring show all over the UK regularly winning the top spot as voted by live audiences.  Louisa described Strictly Come Dancing as "the best experience" and is hoping to persuade Vincent to come and see her as Cinderella.  Look out for a "Strictly" number in the show.  

Stephen De Martin, best known for being part of Jonathan Ross's house band 4 ****s and a Piano, is playing Louisa's father Baron Hardup.  Cinderella is Stephen's first pantomime for ten years and he is excited to be part of the "Camberley Cinderella Christmas Family" this year.  Stephen has visited Camberley Theatre twice before touring with 4 ****s and a Piano and this year Stephen released his first solo album "One Voice", so is looking forward to being back on Camberley's stage singing and having fun with the rest of the cast.

Mark Slowey is back for a fourth year!  He can't keep away I am very glad to say.  Anyone who saw him last year as Widow Twankey will want to see him as one of Cinderella's Ugly Sisters this year. The other ugly sibling is played by Scott Burgess who was Abanazar last year.  I think this double act will be one of the hits of the show!  As yet Mark and Scott do not know what their Ugly names will be........the results of the competition run earlier in the summer have not been announced yet....so watch this space!

Amanda Goldthorpe-Hall is playing Cinderella's Fairy Godmother.  Amanda has been in many productions in the West End - Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and was in the Sound of Music.  Amanda lives locally in Fleet, but spends a lot of the time travelling.  Last week she was in Venice on Monday, then up to Edinburgh for a concert on Tuesday, Maidstone for a concert on Wednesday and Camberley Theatre on Thursday, so can't wait to be in the pantomime and being able to travel home each night!  

Andy Medhurst, who plays Buttons, has done a lot of work in children's theatre and with CBBC.  He has played in some of the UK's biggest venues - the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House, the O2 and Wembley Arena.

The Camberley Theatre is proud to be producing another highly successful Christmas pantomime, which unlike other leading local theatres, is not duplicated anywhere in the country.  Among the plaudits last year was this from Simon Sladen, British Theatre Guide 2010

"Director Nick Mowatt and his team have created yet another impressive show and demonstrate that although The Camberley Theatre may be small, the audience is always treated to a stunning pantomime full of heart."

Come along and be part of the fun this Christmas!  As Cllr John May says, "We are privileged to have a theatre in Camberley and I would urge you to tell all your friends across the area to come to see Cinderella!"

The pantomime opens on Wednesday 7th December and runs until Monday 2nd January.  Book your tickets by ringing the Box Office on 01276 707600 or book online.