Comic capers all part of new-look Cinderella

Morgan Pearce (Buttons), Georgia Naera (Cinderella), Claudia Karrison (Prince Charming), Peter Coldicutt (Dandini, also co-director) - Cinderella the Pantomime, at Aubyn Live Theatre, Hastings Photographer: Duncan Brown

A fresh and funny look at the ever popular tale of Cinderella is Aubyn Live Theatre's pantomime production for the school holidays.

Lyn Johnson, who is sharing directing duties with Peter Coldicutt in his first turn in the director's chair, has adapted this version of Cinderella from a pantomime written by Ben Cocker.

"What attracted me was the upbeat fun, and that it jumps in and out of different eras. This is a fresh, witty and very funny pantomime with wonderful moments of anarchic fun."

The 35-strong cast includes first time Aubyn Live Theatre actors Tracey Coldicutt and Danielle Fair as intense and upfront Ugly Sisters, reprising characters they played in a kindergarten production some years ago.

Stephen McPherson and Liz Bassett, who has previously directed shows at the theatre, are Cinderella's Stepmother and Father, Georgia Naera, who has only had minor roles until now is Cinderella, Debbie Sudfelt and Jenny Perry are Snitch and Snatch, part of the comedic backbone of the show, and Morgan Pearce is the family's servant Buttons, who secretly holds a candle for Cinders.

Coldicutt, a talented actor and singer, has developed some of the scenes himself. He has also had to go onstage in the past two weeks because illness felled cast members, and he expects to be on stage during the show because of this.

Gaylene Lawrence, Dale Smith and their various wardrobe helpers have also been put through their paces for the show and there are going to be some great creations onstage, says Johnson.

This is the third show she has directed for the theatre. She has also been involved with numerous other shows as musical director or in some other backstage role, and prior to moving to Hawke's Bay directed shows in the Wairarapa.

As a traditional pantomime the show should be equally entertaining for kids and adults.

"This is the first time that I have directed this particular show, and love the challenge."