Casting Announced For The Marlowe's Pantomime CINDERELLA

CASTING has been announced for this year's Marlowe pantomime. Cinderella will star Harry Reid, Phil "Mister Maker" Gallagher and Sally Lindsay, along side Canterbury favourites, Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett.

Harry (who will play Dandini) is best known for his role as Ben Mitchell in the BBC's EastEnders. He is currently appearing in an Agatha Christie's Witness For The Prosecution at London County Hall.

Phil (Buttons) has appeared in several Marlowe pantomimes (he describes the theatre as his "favourite in the world"), and Cinderella marks his 10th consecutive year with panto producers, Evolution Productions.

BAFTA-nominated Phil is known to millions for his role as BBC's Mister Maker. Since its first airing on CBeebies in 2007, the show has been a worldwide hit, transmitting in more than 100 countries. Since 2010, Phil has also written, presented and co-produced several Mister Maker live tours, in this country and around the world (including 18 sold-out shows at the iconic Sydney Opera House).

Sally (Fairy Godmother) has an extensive TV and stage career, but is probably best known for her five years as barmaid Shelley Unwin in ITV's Coronation Street. Her first break came in the ground-breaking sitcom The Royle Family, and roles in Phoenix Nights and Fat Friends soon followed.

Also on TV, Sally has appeared in the BAFTA-winning Murdered For Being Different, Still Open All Hours, Mount Pleasant, and many others. With her friend Suranne Jones, she created and starred in Scott And Bailey. Theatre credits include A Taste Of Honey and Everybody Loves A Winner. Sally has diversified into presenting and film voice-overs.

Ben (Ugly Sister) needs little introduction: Cinderella is his ninth panto at The Marlowe and his 13th for Evolution. Last year, he was named Dame Of The Year at The Great British Pantomime awards for his role in Peter Pan, which was seen by more than 100,000 people.

Ben has worked extensively in all areas of the profession, directing and producing various productions and appearing in more than 100 shows in theatres across the UK and beyond. Favourite roles include Tom in Table Manners, Cassio in Othello and Mr Collins in Pride And Prejudice. He has various film credits, including Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and the recently-released British comedy, Patrick.

This year, Ben is appearing alongside Stephen Mulhern in a summer variety tour, and directing and producing Harrogate Theatre's repertory season.

Joining Ben as an Ugly Sister is Lloyd Hollett, in his eighth pantomime at The Marlowe. From his stage debut at the age of 10 (Oliver! at Margate's Theatre Royal), he has entertained all over the world with his unique and original style of comedy wordplay.

He regularly performs for Warner Leisure Hotels and on various cruise lines, has produced two DVDs, and for many years has written for Stephen Mulhern.

Harry, Phil, Ben, Lloyd and Evolution Productions are all based in Kent - making Cinderella a truly "homegrown" production!

Appearing with them in Cinderella will be Oliver Watton (Prince Charming) and Cara Dudgeon (Cinderella). Both have extensive theatre, film and TV credits, and Cara (who has twice been nominated for Best Female in the panto awards), is also a recording artist.

Cinderella writer, co-producer and director is Paul Hendy, of Evolution Productions. He said: "We're incredibly proud of The Marlowe pantomime's reputation for being one of the biggest and best pantomimes in the country. This year, we have an incredibly talented cast and I aim to make this production of Cinderella the most magical pantomime of all.

"We're thrilled that Harry, Phil and National Treasure Sally are joining us. They're great performers with lots of talent, energy and incredible stage presence."

Cinderella is sponsored by sponsored by Iconic Jewellery Store; venue sponsor is One Pound Lane.

Cinderella is at The Marlowe Theatre from Friday 23 November to Sunday 6 January (various performance times). Tickets, priced from £14.75 to £44.25 (concessions available) are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or marlowetheatre.com. See the website for details of the accessible performances.

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