Let's hope it's not the final curtain

Cinderella

Its future may be uncertain, but this half-term show is still set to enthral and delight, writes Alan Cookman.

Cinderella, played by Holly Dobson, front, with Fairy Godmother, Michelle Bruce, and Ugly Sister David Smith. Picture: Shaun Smith

A PANTO without a happy ending would be like a musical without songs.

When the curtain falls on Aladdin or Mother Goose everyone goes home smiling.

But there could be tears on the last night of Cinderella at Stone next week.

For there is every chance that Cinderella, Stone Little Theatre's 30th pantomime, could also be the company's last half-term show.

For 30 years, the annual panto has been staged at the Bibby Sports and Social Club in Tilling Drive, but the owners of the venue plan to close it on March 31.

"Frankly, as things stand I'm not too confident," says Chris Bell, director of Cinderella. "Unless, some way can be found of saving the club, we'll be without a stage.

"It might be possible to find another suitable venue, but we must face the possibility that Cinderella will be Stone Little Theatre's last panto.

"It's very sad, because ours has always been a very family-orientated show. Generations of the same families have taken part and kept the tradition alive."

Now, with fingers crossed that a solution can be found, the company are determined to make the 2009 production the best ever.

It will be the first time since 1981 that the Little Theatre has chosen the tale of Cinders, Buttons, Prince charming and the Ugly Sisters.

The script is by local writer Alan P Frayn (a cousin of the West End playwright Michael Frayn), and professional scenery makers have provided beautiful sets, including a fabulous golden palace.

Holly Dobson will play Cinderella, with Amy Bell as Prince charming and Melissa Potts as Buttons. Michelle Bruce is the Fairy Godmother and Neil Norman and P David Smith play the Ugly Sisters, Grizelda and Gertrude.

The cast also includes Alan Bruce, Gerry Davies, Edward Costello and Chloe Robinson. Musical direction is by Angela Bromley and choreographer is Janice Bruce.

Cinderella is at the Bibby Sports and Social Club, Tilling Drive, Stone from February 17 to 21 at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tel 01785 819867.