Cinderella breaks records to become the Playhouse's most popular pantomime

Box Office records have been broken for a second successive year after Harlow Playhouse enjoyed its most successful pantomime season yet.

The Playhouse’s magical family pantomime Cinderella played to 15,628 audience members during its run from December 11 – January 10, despite the winter cold-snap.

The show was staged in association with New World Productions and starred Sandra Dickinson, Ben Hanson and Rob McVeigh. The title role was played by Harlow-born newcomer Danielle Black, who won the Playhouse’s Search for a Cinderella contest, and more than 40 local youngsters also appeared as dancers.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said producer Gary Telfer. “It couldn’t have turned out to be a better year. I think the show gathered momentum as it went on which really helped, as did the positive word of mouth.

“The cast have thoroughly enjoyed it. They felt a real ownership of the show and got on particularly well.”

Gary singled out Danielle for praise in her first professional role: “Casting a newcomer in such a crucial part was a gamble but I think she really rose to the occasion and was a huge success. We couldn’t have been more proud of her.

“The local youngsters we had were also brilliant and worked very hard throughout the run. Some were lucky enough to have David Tennant pop backstage to say well done after seeing a New Year performance.”

Councillor Simon Carter said: “The pantomime is always the busiest time of year at the Playhouse and with Cinderella it’s been the busiest yet. “The response from the town, schools and wider community to the show has been fantastic. We can really look forward to Aladdin next Christmas being even more successful.

“I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work in making Cinderella the success it was. I’d also like to thank the youngsters who appeared in the show, they are a credit to Harlow and themselves.”

New World Productions will be back at Easter for an all-star production of The Wizard of Oz. Running from April 13-18, the show stars comedian Joe Pasquale as the Scarecrow and Tracy Beaker herself, Dani Harmer as Dorothy.

“You can expect a high-octane show with one of the biggest children’s stars around,” said Gary. “Wizard of Oz is the only show you will see Dani Harmer appear on stage in this year; it’s a big coup for us, the theatre and for Harlow to get her.

“Joe has a lot he wants to bring to the show and is always hilarious. We’re so pleased to have them both in the show.”

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz are available from the Box Office on 01279 431945 or online at www.playhouseharlow.com