Pumpkin up the panto preparations

Cinderella has been shopping in Sheringham ahead of starring in the town’s pantomime in a few weeks’ time.

Top of the list was a pumpkin to be turned into transport for dream date with her Prince Charming in the festive show which opens on December 15.

Young actress Emily Kate Anne is taking the title role in the show, which will mix the classic fairytale with modern themes and local references.

The 23-year-old said: “I love pantomime because of its mix of slapstick comedy for the youngsters and witty wordplay for the adults.

“I cannot wait to be Cinders at Sheringham. I’ve always wanted to play Cinders since watching Selena Gomez in the Another Cinderella Story movie because she did a cool, hip version. I am a bit of a Tomboy in real life, so she is just like me.”

Manchester-born Emily, who lives In Woking, graduated from the PPA Drama School in Guildford two years ago with a BA in Musical Theatre Performance.

Her showbiz roots probably came from her dad who she says “was in a band and in one episode of Coronation Street where he said one word.”

It was her school music teacher who spotted her talent and got her involved in shows, which helped her overcome shyness and gain confidence.

During Saturday stage school sessions Emily “got hooked on musical theatre” and progressed to drama college where her roles ranged from Rapunzel to Eponine in Les Miserables. She is also due to appear in a soon-to-air Disney + drama Black Cake as a young mum who had to give up her baby.

This will be her first panto role, which she is relishing – and she got a good grounding last year by watching Cinderella at her local theatre where the cast included comic Brian Conley.

In Sheringham, Cinderella’s rivals for the attention of Prince Charming (Samuel Garrett) are ugly sisters Beeston and Bump (Kit Henson and Danniella Schindler). 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.

There will also be three teams of six young local dancers aged six to 18 from Tom Withington Performing Arts. The show is written by Nick Earnshaw and directed by Ben Nash

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “Cinderella is the best panto – a magical fairytale about a young girl’s dreams coming true.

“In true Sheringham style we are mixing the traditional story with some modern themes and music. And in our intimate 160-seater theatre the audience can really feel involved in the action. “

Cinderella runs from December 15 to January 2, barring Christmas Day, with mainly two shows a day at 1pm and 5pm. To buy tickets and check show times click here or call the box office on 01263 822347.