The History Of Lilleshall Pantomine
Cinderella - 1999
The Pantomime Group made no apologies for repeating this jewel of a Show, a very well loved and traditional pantomime. Graham Gibson reworked the groups original script to update it and the casting meeting was called in early September of 1998.
Many more mature members of the group had decided to take a break this year so it was not an easy Show to cast as we needed to rely heavily on some of our younger members taking roles usually performed by those a little older! We also said goodbye to Les Brown who left to emigrate to Canada leaving a gap in the company, so used to his ebullience, creativity and sense of fun. Everyone would miss him but we all sent him off with good wishes and thanks for all he had done for Lilleshall Pantomime.
With Graham Gibson directing again, he had the task of trying to cast all the characters. Geoff Lott, he of the 'Babe' from Babes in the Wood fame, and Robert Watson Jones, played the two ugly sisters, Erotica and Euphoria with great fun and much hilarity from all, joined by Martin Buxey, in crazy wig and glitter, as Baroness hard-up. A young Nicola Fox, who had been the Genie of the Ring in the previous Show and Pinnochio, before that as well as an all singing, all dancing parrot in Treasure Island, was asked to take the role of Buttons. She played it with confidence and aplomb, as rather a cheeky 'bell-boy'! Cinderella was played in this show by Tina Richards, who was every inch a poignant tragic heroine and a classic fairytale princess, who won the hand of her Prince Charming, played with flair and dignity, by Kacey Preen. The gentle and calm presence of Margaret Hullin as the Fairy Godmother drew the story together.
Despite initial concerns in casting, this Show proved to be a delight for cast and audiences alike.