Panto Star Iain Lauchlan Returns to the Belgrade this Christmas

With Christmas less than 7 weeks away, the Belgrade Theatre has announced the cast for this year's glittering pantomime, Cinderella, including legendary children's TV presenter and panto dame, Iain Lauchlan.

Returning for his 23rd pantomime, Iain Lauchlan has gained legendary status in Coventry as the Belgrade's pantomime Dame, as well as writing and directing the show.

With a career spanning over 40 years in the children's entertainment industry, Iain Lauchlan worked on BBC's Playschool for eight years; the very successful Fingermouse series; BBC Playdays, Storytime and Fun Song Factory but is perhaps best known as the writer of the BAFTA award-winning children's television series, The Tweenies.

This year's festive extravaganza will be double the fun, with not one but two dames sharing the stage in the role of the Ugly Sisters. Fellow Scottish actor Greg Powrie will join Iain Lauchlan in donning their tartan frocks and entertaining hundreds of families over the Christmas period.

Greg Powrie is a seasoned panto actor and will be performing in his 18th pantomime this Christmas, having entertained audiences at most Scottish theatres, namely Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Edinburgh Royal Lyceum. His television and film credits include Outlander, Taggart, River City, Still Game and Dr. Finlay.

A firm favourite with audiences, actor Craig Hollingsworth returns to play Buttons in this year's pantomime. Having trained in musical theatre from an early age, Craig performed in his first Belgrade pantomime back in 2012, where he discovered his talent for comic acting and has continued to play the Dame's loveable sidekick ever since.

Taking on the title role of Cinderella, is Alice Rose Fletcher who trained at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in Ballet, after graduating from Guildford School of Acting and has since performed in Disneyland Hong Kong and with the Hong Kong Ballet Company. On screen, she has appeared in The Revenger (Solar Productions) and Will (Ninth Floor Productions - TNT Network, USA).

Actor Maggie Robson will be waving her magic wand this Christmas as both the Fairy Godmother and the Wicked Stepmother. Her musical theatre credits include Bad Girls the Musical (Union Theatre), Follies (Pleasance Theatre) and A Man of No Importance (Bridewell Theatre).

Prince Charming will be played by Bethany Brookes, who is originally from Northamptonshire and has been performing from the age of three. A recent graduate of the Midlands School of Dance and Drama, Cinderella at the Belgrade will be Bethany's professional stage debut.

Letitia Hector will be stepping into the role of Dandini, the Prince's right hand man. Most recently, she appeared in the musical Holy Crap at the King's Head Theatre and has also performed in productions of Grease and Return to the Forbidden Planet.

Completing the cast is Vicky Field, Leshane Williams and Vicki Stevenson as the ensemble.

Also joining the professional cast on stage will be the Junior Chorus made up of 27 talented local children, aged 9 - 16, who successfully auditioned for the panto earlier this year.

Everyone's invited to the Royal Ball this Christmas to join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend Buttons and the enchanting Fairy Godmother.

But with her evil Ugly Sisters determined to ruin her chances and the clock about to strike midnight, will Cinders manage to win the Prince's love before the spell runs out?

This magical rags to riches tale will be brought to life with spectacular sets, lavish costumes and sing-along-songs that make a trip to the Belgrade a truly unmissable Christmas treat.

Tickets are available now priced from £16 for adults, £11 for children and £43 for families. Book now by calling the Belgrade's Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are even cheaper online.

Photo credit: Robert Day

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