Theatre South East

Another week, another panto launch, you’d think I would be getting tired by now, but no, I love the buzz that surrounds a theatre when a pantomime cast come together for the first time, don their colourful iconic costumes and meet the press.

This week I was at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, for the launch of Cinderella. Producers Paul Hendy and Emily Wood assembled the cast and announced that they were sure that it was the best cast that the Fairfield Halls had ever seen – which is quite a claim to make.

The staff of the Croydon venue backed the claim up saying the box office takings are on course to be a record breaking year with more tickets sold at this stage than in the venues 63 year history of putting on pantomimes.

It is the top favourite of all Pantomimes, Cinderella. The rags-to-riches story of a young downtrodden girl who, with a little bit of magic meets the handsome Prince Charming! We all know and love the story.

Top billing goes to top TV personality and entertainer Stephen Mulhern who wowwed audienced in last year’s pantomime at the Hawth (review here),  Check back soon to Theatre South East to read a new interview with Stephen Mulhern. The title role of Cinderella is played by beautiful Joanna Sawyer who is no stranger to pantomime as she is very excited to return to Pantoland again this year.

Stewart Wright and Matt Daines play the Ugly Sisters, they look great together and joke that they have 13 dresses each in the show, more costume changes than any other cast member.

Lisa Davina Philip brings a little West End magic the role of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother as she  has just finished a run playing Mrs Phelps in Matilda in the West End having previously played such fabulous roles as Rafiki in the Lion King and Ode Mae Brown in Ghost. This is her first pantomime and she is absolutely thrilled to be involved.

Steve Wickenden will by playing Prince Charming’s valet Dandini, this is his 7th pantomime and although Prince Charming (Benjamin Brook) couldn’t make the press launch, Dandini took his royal duties very seriously and looked very regal.

Fairfield Halls promises great comedy, music and choreography, beautiful sets and costumes, magical illusions a fantastic supporting cast and not forgetting audience participation. They guarantee this much loved fairy tale will entertain the whole family.