Coleford Theatre Group are in final rehearsals for this year’s production of one of the best loved family pantomimes of all time, Cinderella.

Alison McCausland stars as Cinderella, the beautiful daughter of Baron Henry Hardup, played to befuddled perfection by Bill Grant. A couple of years ago, the Baron met and married his second wife, known to all as the Cruel Stepmother. Played by Catherine Billing, she revels in ruling Hardup Hall and everyone who lives and works there with an iron fist.

The Cruel Stepmother has banished Cinderella to the kitchen in order to allow her two daughters, Gertrude and Griselda, known to all as the Ugly Sisters and played in true pantomime Dame style by Henry Banks and Robert Harrisson, free reign of Hardup Hall and the Baron’s dwindling fortune. Continually attempting to woo

Cinderella whilst appeasing the demands of The Cruel Stepmother and the Ugly Sisters is the Valet of Hardup Hall, Buttons, played by Paul Drake.

However, a constitutional crisis is brewing because Prince Rupert, played by newcomer, Nicola Phillips, faces losing his inheritance unless he marries this year. Concerned for his son’s future, King Cuthbert the Convivial, gleefully played by another newcomer, Philip Horler, orders all eligible ladies of the Kingdom of Collyford to present themselves at a grand ball, where Prince Rupert will choose his bride.

As the story unfolds, a Fairy Godmother appears to help transport Cinders to the ball, the Ugly Sisters and Cruel Stepmother make their presence known at the palace and an intense search is carried out throughout the Kingdom to find the owner of the foot that fitted the slipper, but who disappeared into the night just before the

midnight hour.

A strong chorus made up of actors of all ages supports the principals, portraying characters ranging from Farmhands and Milkmaids to Debutantes and Citizens.

To see if the Prince finds his true love, join us in November and get your Christmas preparations off to the perfect start! Cinderella, written by Stuart Ardern and Bob Heather and directed by Jean Power, will be staged at the Coleford Royal British Legion Hall until Saturday, 26th November at 7.30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, 26th November at 2.30 p.m.

Tickets can be booked by calling the Ticket Hotline on: (01373) 812137, or by visiting the box office at the Coleford Royal British Legion Foyer, weekdays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Stay up-to-date with Cinderella and everything else at Coleford Theatre Group by visiting our website at: www.colefordctg.wixsite.com/colefordtheatregroup

Paul Drake