Cinders’ seaside search for her prince

Cinderella has begun the search for her Prince Charming in 21st century Sheringham.

The classic fairytale has been given a modern north Norfolk twist for the Little Theatre’s panto – complete with modern songs, TV show references and TikTok dances.

Cast members met yesterday (Thursday November 30) as rehearsals started for the family show which runs from December 15 to January 2.

The script has been penned by regular Sheringham panto writer Nick Earnshaw but sees the panto directing debut of Ben Nash from Norwich, who used to run a dance school and has a Masters Degree in theatre direction.

Ben, 44 from the Heartsease, said: “It is great to be a part of this show in such an intimate theatre where every detail matters because the audience is so close.”

Panto-goers can expect new twists and turns on the traditional story which sees Cinders (Emily Kate Anne) battling for the attention of the Prince (Samuel Garrett) against ugly sisters Beeston and Bump (Kit Henson and Danniella Schindler) who take their names from the local landmark.

An extra dash of comedy is served up by Buttonz (Grace Pennington), while former Sheringham dame Shane Armstrong takes on the double goodie and baddie roles of evil stepmother the Baroness of Blakeney and Fairy Godmother.

Ben Sayers completes the cast as Dandini, along with three teams of six dancers aged from six to 18 from Tom Withington Performing Arts whose roles include mice.

After the curtain comes down on Cinderella, the Little Theatre is staging its first-ever adult panto from January 12-14. Rubbin Good is loosely based on Robin Hood, and features the cast staging the the Robin Hood panto at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “We are trying our first adult panto following the success of our drag variety shows which showed there is clearly a demand. It is being written by Nick Earnshaw so he knows our audiences, and it will be clever rather than just crude.” Tickets and more information for both shows can be found here or call the box office on 01263 822347