Photo Flash: First Look at CINDERELLA Panto at Greenwich Theatre

Don't go to Cinderella at Greenwich Theatre expecting a winsome or even wimpy female character in the kitchen. She may be downtrodden by her circumstances but this Cinders is no damsel in distress. And she's more than capable of taking the Fairy's wise advice: "There is one person who can help you most of all. You!" BroadwayWorld has a first look at this year's Cinderella panto below!

It's something that Louise Young - who plays Cinderella after last year's triumph as Wendy in Peter Pan - was more than pleased to express. "I was keen to bring that strength to her and wanted to avoid portraying a feeble female, which can be a very easy trap to fall into because she is so put upon.

"Cinderella has always been my favourite fairy tale because of its beautiful story, but it is somewhat dated in its message. We wanted to make sure we got across that Cinderella can become a strong-willed heroine all by herself and not just by the validation of a man.

"I think the Fairy's message is really important for all the little ones watching, that no matter what happens you can always rely on yourself."

Playing Sophie in Mama Mia in the West End was Louise's big breakthrough. "When I found out I got the part of Ali I ran around the kitchen laughing and crying on the phone to my agent," she said. "Then going on as the lead - Sophie - for the first time was magical.

"Nothing could prepare you for that moment when the curtain goes up and you sing 'I Have A Dream' to a sea of a thousand people. It was the stuff dreams are made of and I learned a lot about myself that night.

"Whenever I feel really nervous before going on stage, I always remind myself of that moment and suddenly I feel at ease because nothing could ever be more nerve wracking than that!"

Louise was "elated" when she landed the role of Wendy at Greenwich last year. She said: "I desperately wanted the part and the chance to perform on home turf. I must have practiced the script in front of my housemates 20 times!

"The Greenwich panto has such a brilliant reputation with people coming back year after year so I'm very chuffed to be a part of that. When I heard they were doing Cinderella I hoped they would keep me in mind and luckily the team asked me back!

"It's every little girl's dream to play Cinderella and I love seeing the little ones' faces when we reveal the ball gown for the first time."

She describes Greenwich Theatre as being one big family. "The team work so hard and put a lot of love into what they do which gives the panto that edge," said Louise. "Andrew Pollard's scripts are hilarious and a joy to bring to life. Our musical director, Steve Markwick, chooses the ultimate songs from It's Raining Men to Defying Gravity!

"He creates really beautiful arrangements and it's wonderful to see the kids and even the adults faces light up when they hear a song they love. I can't wait for the 12-show madness to kick in with a wonderful bunch of people this Christmas!"

James Haddrell, the theatre's artistic and executive director, said he was delighted to have Louise back as Cinderella. "One of the special things about our pantomimes is that we don't cast celebrities but create as big a family feel to the company as we can.

"Anthony Spargo is the perfect villain and Paul Critoph is back this year as Baron Halley, like the comet. Louise was fresh from Mama Mia so we knew she was good. Last year she was fantastic as Wendy and now she's wowing record-breaking audiences as Cinderella."

In the cast are: Louise Young - Cinderella; Michael Lanni - Prince Charming; Michelle Chantelle Hopewell - Fairy; James Keningale - Buttons; Jean-Luke Worrell - Dandini; Anthony Spargo - Kylie (ugly sister); Lizzy Dive - Mylie (ugly sister); and Paul Critoph - Baron Halley

CINDERELLA plays at the Greenwich Theatre now through Sunday 7 January 2018. For tickets and more information, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call 020 8858 7755.

Photo Credit: Robert Day

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