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Local Talent Gears Up for Panto Season

Rehearsals started this week for Harrow Arts Centre’s first ever community pantomime Cinderella – the classic fairy-tale of overcoming obstacles and finding true love.  The cast was chosen after a series of open auditions held in September and is made up entirely of talented local people, some of which have never been in a show before.

The production tells the story of a young girl day who dreams of escape from her horrid step family, a handsome prince who hopes to find true love and a fairy godmother who is using all her magic to make everyone’s dream come true. But will there be a happy ending? Oh yes there will!

Playing Cinderella is Nora O’Donoghue, 23 from Harrow, who has no experience of drama classes or theatre productions at all apart from a school production of Oliver.  “I saw the poster and thought it could be a fun thing to do outside of work. I never thought I'd get to play Cinderella when I saw how good the other girls were, I couldn't believe it!”

Over 3,500 people are expected to see the pantomime in December with its appeal across all ages, as reflected within the cast.  Laura Cohen from Pinner plays the Fairy Godmother and is one of the youngest cast members at 17, juggling performing in the pantomime and her school show with studying for 4 A-Levels at Nower Hill High School.  Edgware resident, Linda Chainey is one of the eldest chorus members at 62 and, although nervous about her first time performing, is excited to be part of this community production.

Performances of Cinderella will be held at Harrow Arts Centre from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 December.  Tickets are priced at £8 (£6 concessions) and a family ticket is available at £23.  Bookings can be made via the Harrow Arts Centre Box Office on 020 8416 8989