UK Theatre Network

THE GREATEST FAIRYTALE OF THEM ALL, ONLY AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

What do you get when you mix a flying horse, dancing penguins, a beautiful princess and a generous sprinkling of fairydust?   The North East’s biggest pantomime of course!  And this year, the Theatre Royal’s glittering panto Cinderella (1 Dec ‘09 – 16 Jan ‘10) is guaranteed to be more magical and spectacular than ever before. 

Featuring 26-year old TV star Roxanne Pallett (Dancing on Ice, Emmerdale) in the title role, as well as the north’s favourite comedy duo Clive Webb and Danny Adams - back again following overwhelming public demand for a fifth consecutive year - playing The Baron and Buttons respectively,  Cinderella will be the theatre’s most star-studded panto to date.

They are joined by two of last year’s pantomime favourites, Newcastle’s own Dame, Chris Hayward as Baroness Rita and North East actor and TV star Phil Corbitt as one of the Ugly Sisters.  New for 2009, the Theatre Royal is delighted to introduce David Ducasse of the pop-group Scooch and fresh from his Eurovision fame as Dandini, as well as ugly sister extraordinaire, North East actor and director Steve Arnott  and West End stage star Donna Steele (Jolson & Co, Shout! and Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Fairy Godmother.

There will be some particularly magical treats in store too – including: a talking horse, a 3D flying Pegasus which transports Cinderella to the ball, a troop of dancing penguins, a hot air balloon, an animatronic raven and even real rain!

Written, produced and directed by Wallsend-born Michael Harrison, Cinderella will be Michael’s fifth record-breaking pantomime for the Theatre Royal.

Michael Harrison said: “The shows I do are a reflection of what I wanted to see when I was a kid. I wanted to see the spectacular and be surprised by the special effects. The Theatre Royal is very special to me because it’s where I saw my first pantomime as a child.”

Roxanne Pallett said:  “This is every little girls dream and I can't wait to step into Cinderella's slippers. I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing in Newcastle”

David Ducasse said: “The Theatre Royal panto is the number one production in the region and it just gets bigger and better every year. I’m really excited to be part of the cast.”

With more than 46,000 seats already sold, Cinderella is the fastest selling pantomime in the region and one of the fastest in the UK.

Those who wish to go to the ball though ought to act fast as tickets are selling fast. To avoid turning into a pumpkin and missing the greatest panto in the UK, book now!

Cinderella appears at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 1 December 2009 -Saturday 16 January 2010.  Tickets are priced at £7.50 - £26.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.