Cinderella - Pantomime

Can't believe it's the 1st January 2008! Currently directing Cinderella (Pantomime for HMDS) opening night 11th January.

But first a quick recap of past 6 months - was an Amazon (female guard) in King & I (HMDS) whilst my daughters played wives and dancers. Could have been a wife but all that kneeling in the King's presence was playing havoc with my knees! Enjoyable and well presented show.

In September I was accepted as the Pantomime director for Cinderella (HMDS) but when I read the script I was aghast.

• Coach and ponies through the fireplace (We use a small stage with virtually no wings)
• No step-mother,
• Father, and his sidekick Buttons (constantly after a kiss from Cinderella "If I've done the shopping properly, you'll let me give you - a little kiss") - think Morecambe and Wise,
• Swinging rope to dangle Buttons by his leg in the haunted attic plus ghost,
• Harlequinade,
• Lots of old English jokes & themes. eg "...you know what a camel is I suppose? A horse put together by a committee". " How much? Five pounds and a book of Green Shield stamps".

So I asked permission to write a new Pantomime. We're back to the original story, with Ella's father dying and Ella dependent upon her step-mother. That's not to say I haven't added a character ot two! I originally cast 2 young men as the step-sisters but one unfortunately had to pull out. With few men in the cast, and a female/male combination not working for the step-sisters, created a french hairdresser for the young man and have ended up with 3 step-sisters (2 mean and 1 kind to Ella). Have also added a Queen of the Fairies - gives the fairy God-mother more to do teaching the Fairies ready for the Queen's visit! With 4 dance numbers, familiar songs, some funny moments - the pantomme has shaped up well. Only thing missing is a few good jokes - just frankly didn't have the time to develop them - as it was I was writing scenes only a week ahead of directing them!

A short extract of the Pantomime appears in the New Writers' Group Inc.'s Anthology which was launched on the 8th December.

All in all - quite busy! I'm supposed to be sewing a costume right now!