The Cinderella story is of ancient origin and similar tales occured in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Unlike modern versions the common feature was some form of missing footware which opens the door to better times for a persecuted girl, Cinderella. Although published in 9th century China the more familiar version we know today was written by a Frenchman, Charles Ferrnault in 1897. The first production of Cinderella as a pantomime was at the Drury Lane Theatre in 1904 and the production presented by the Milborne Players keeps all the traditional elelments, ugly sisters, glass shoe, powers of good and evil and even opens with the hunting scene. However, the Penguin was an addition, but a most enjoyable one.

As in previous years there were 4 performances Thursday Friday and Saturday evening plus a Saturday afternoon show. All performances this year sold out and as a result the atmosphere during the shows was just as it should be; laughter, shouts and replies from the audience and plenty of laughter.

Great show thanks to Ron Karley the author and Roy Sach the director.

All the traditional characters, very ugly sisters (and I do mean UGLY), wicked stepmother, a hardup Baron and helpful Buttons, not forgetting of course the environmentally conscious Prince Charming and his side kick Dandini, all of whom played their role in the fate of Cinders. As in every good pantomime there were the forces of good and evil brought to life on this occasion by the good fairy, Bumblebore and the wicked Wizard Mouldymort who battled through the show with their own power struggle. The main cast were joined by some celebrity beauticians and a small army of young people playing their part in supporting roles and production chorus numbers.

Was there a Grand Ball to out do anything Strictly Come Dancing could do? Did Cinders arrive in rags or riches? Was the glass slipper found or was it just swept up with all the other rubbish left around? Did the Prince get his gal or just get lumbered and widdycum? (old Dorset term) There was only one way you will every know. Surely you did see it didn't you?

The Players:

The Prince of Poundbury - Jo South
Dandini - Lauren House
Bumblebore (the good fairy) - Jessica Tasker
Mouldymort (the evil wizard) - Brian Parkinson
Cinderella - Charlotte Fowler
Buttons - Gren E Davis
Baron Hardup - Bill Preston
Baroness Hardup - Adrienne Rogers
Agrippina - Peter Casemore
Lucrezia - Jon Riddle
Trinny - Sian Pugh
Suzannah - Freya Pugh
Danni - Jacqui Davis
Kylie - Caroline Nobbs
The Huntmaster - Ben Sach
Penguin - Beth Leonard
Cameron & Clegg - Harry & Josh Leonard
Court Ushers/Footmen - Sam Sach and Olly Martin

Young Peoples Chorus

Ashlea Batchelor, Rhiannon Booth, Hattie Bunnell, Nat Bunnell, Zoe Carrington, Charlie Delamare, Lucy Delamore, Harry Leonard, Josh Leonard, Molly Lucas, Frances Martin, Olly Martin, Freya Pugh, Sian Pugh, Connor Pullen, Sam Sach, Victoria Senior and Livvy Wise.

Animals

Harvey Batchelor, William Bishop, Abbie Davis, Becca Davies, Lily Fox, Harry Hamilton, Peter Riddle and Niall Sommers.

Production Team

The Author - Ron Karley
Production Manager - Caroline Nobbs
Director - Roy Sach
Musical Director - Sam Ryall
Young Peoples Director - Melva Coe
Stage Manager - Andy Coetzee
Props - Sid Coe and John Holden
Costume - Caroline Nobbs, Marry Berry, Chrissie Coull & Anne Snape
Make-up - Sue Lucas and The Back Stagers
Light & Sound - Ian & Ron Karley
Prompt - Dot Karley
Front of House - Sandie Sach
Box Office - Sid Coe