Durham’s Gala Theatre welcomes Cinderella for more than a month of festive fun

Pantomime fans are set to flock to Durham as Cinderella treads the boards at the city’s Gala Theatre.

The show begins a six week run on Thursday 26 November, with many of the near sixty performances already sold out or close to capacity.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Thousands of people enjoyed the Gala’s 2014 production of Aladdin and I’m sure audiences will be delighted with what we’ve got in store this year.

“It’s really exciting for us to have pantomime regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley writing, directing and starring in Cinderella, as they bring a wealth of panto experience to the job and know exactly what Durham audiences love.

“Having already seen over 25,000 people book to see this year’s panto, we now can’t wait to open the curtains and welcome families to the show.”

The duo’s version of the enchanting rags-to-riches story will see Neil play the villainous Dan Meanie and Paul take on the role of the hapless Buttons.

Neil Armstrong said: “We’ve had a ball writing this year’s script, and had plenty of laughs along the way.”

Paul Hartley said: “We’ve a few surprises lined-up as we’ve aimed to add a few new twists whilst ensuring we incorporate everything we’ve loved about panto at Gala.”

The pair will be joined on stage by Hazel Pude as Cinderella, whose life will be made a misery by Ugly Sisters John Carter and Paul Dunn.

It will be down to Sally Collett as the Fairy Godmother to wave her magic wand and cast a spell that will help Cinders win the heart of the handsome Prince Charming, played by James Hedley.

Cinderella runs at the Gala Theatre until Sunday 3 January 2016.

Tickets are priced from £8, and are available by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk

For the best availability, audiences are advised to book for matinee performances during the week commencing Monday 1 December.