Cinderella cast arrives as Newark Palace Theatre officially launches Christmas Pantomime
Magic is set to come to Newark this festive season as Cinderella arrives at the Palace Theatre.
And people got a flavour of the pantomime earlier this month when the cast took a stroll around the town.
Young actress Anna Unwin is cast in the star role of Cinderella after previously playing Alice in Dick Whittington last Christmas.
She said: “I am so excited to be playing Cinderella this year.
“She gets to wear some great outfits and she has a Fairy Godmother, which has always been the dream.
“I’m excited to laugh a lot. Pantomimes are so much fun and the people in them are always funny, on and off stage.
“Hanging out with funny, creative people for a month is going to be great.
“Also, because the audience are so involved in a pantomime each show could go completely off track, which is wonderful and absolutely terrifying all at once.”
Originally from Nottinghamshire, Alice said she was looking forward to coming to Newark, saying: “Cinderella is moving back in with mum and dad this Christmas. Luckily there aren’t two nasty step sisters there who’ll force me to do all the housework.
“It will be so nice to be back home, and I think it’s common knowledge that Nottinghamshire is the best county in the UK.”
Buttons will be played by Adam Colbeck-Dunn and taking on the role of the conniving Baron Hardup is Joe Connors, who is very familiar with Newark.
“I’m especially excited to be returning to Newark after 31 years as I performed here when I was starting out in the early 1990s and I’m excited to see how much has changed,” he said.
“The show is probably the most traditional but will be full of modern and local references to get people interested.
“This will also be the first year back with full panto and no restrictions, it feels like an old friend coming home.”
The iconic roles of the the Ugly Sisters will be played by Richard Pocock and Harry Hart, who were looking forward to performing.
“Cinderella is the most magical of all pantomimes and the most familiar,” said Richard.
“It’s just a magical story, full of drama, intrigue and laughter.”
Harry said: “I’m most looking forward to seeing all of those young and excited faces because panto just wouldn’t be the same without the children.”
Carys Coulton-Jones, business manager for heritage and culture at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We had such a fabulous response to Dick Whittington last year despite the safeguarding restrictions that were still in place because of covid.
“This year is a real opportunity to welcome the local community and schools back. The kids make such a noise, it gives a real atmosphere and is something that we’ve been missing these past few years.”
Cinderella will be playing twice a day throughout December at Newark Palace Theatre, starting December 6 and running to New Year’s Eve. Only December 8, 13, 19 and Christmas Day will feature no performances.
