Sheffield Theatres Presents Cinderella

This production will be the first pantomime to be produced by Sheffield Theatres since the 1980s and with the help of Evolution Pantomimes, they've conceived a pantomime that cuts above the rest. Writer and director Paul Hendy says, "We have stunning brand new sets and costumes, a breath-taking snow scene and real Shetland ponies! My aim is to create a pantomime that the people of Sheffield deserve. It's going to be a Sheffield show of West End pedigree - fast paced, fun-filled entertainment for all the family."

The lavish production takes on a Yorkshire twist as it brings together a host of TV stars and the best of local talent. Hayley Tamaddon, who plays Delilah Dingle in Yorkshire soap, Emmerdale, adds to the regional flavour by starring as the Fairy Godmother. Hayley wowed the public with her singing talents when she made the final of ITV's Soapstar Superstar earlier this year.

TV favourites Matt Baker (Blue Peter) will step into the role of Prince Charming while none other than Ryan Moloney, AKA Toadfish from Neighbours, will star as Buttons.

Local hero Rob 'the builder' McVeigh will also be delighting his home audience in the role of Dandini, after shooting to fame on BBC's Any Dream Will Do earlier this year. He will star alongside legendary performer Bobby Knutt, who makes a welcome return to the Lyceum stage following the success of the 'Bring Back Bobby' campaign.

Sheffield lass, Holly Johnson, will play the role of Cinderella after competing against 120 other girls in the X-Factor styled Search for Cinders competition. Cinderella will be Holly's big break into the world of show business, marking her professional theatre debut.

The production also features 24 talented youngsters from the Sheffield region, after they battled it out in open auditions to win a coveted place in the pantomime's youth ensemble.

Paul Hendy, writer and director of the pantomime, is probably best known as a TV presenter, hosting shows such as ITV's Wheel of Fortune and Don't Try This at Home. Paul is a great lover of panto, having performed in them for the last twenty years and writing and directing them for the last seven. Paul has grand ambitions for Cinderella: "I consider the Lyceum to be one of the best and beautiful theatres in the country and I can promise that Cinderella will be the funniest and most spectacular pantomime ever staged there!"

Paul joins his wife Emily Wood to form Evolution Pantomimes. Emily is equally immersed in the world of panto, having been involved in her father's company, Kevin Wood Productions, from an early age.

This sparkling production of Cinderella sets to combine the classic fairy tale with all the ingredients of a traditional family pantomime: brilliant singing and dancing, side-splitting comedy, audience participation and of course, a happy ending! -- www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk