Feisty Cinders gives a fresh take on classic on Warwick stage

Cinderella, which will burst on to the Warwick stage on Wednesday, is, as it was previously, written and directed by professional actor Adam Schumacher, but OTFM Productions, which produces the shows for Bridge House, is promising a mix that is a lot different from before.

A new company is just one of the changes that long-standing OTFM audiences will notice.

First, Adam himself will not be playing Dame this year, but will be applying his skills to Buttons, the unlucky-in-love suitor of Cinders.

Taking on the role of Cinderella is Clare Sykes who, although only 21, has had much experience in theatre and pantomime in south Warwickshire - and the OFTM team say the Cinders played by Clare, a kung-fu martial artist, is rather feisty.

Freelance assistant director Sarah Lucas, who has worked on BBC productions including Doctors, Eastenders and Upstairs, Downstairs, will be stepping out from her usual backstage dwelling to play Ugly Sister Gerty, while up-and-coming actor Ashley Spall joins OFTM in pantomime for the second time as he plays the other ‘Ugly’, Fergy.

Claire Tyler, who writes all the original music and songs for the show each year and was recently seen in Spa Opera’s Pirates of Penzance, is to play Cinders’ beautiful Fairy Godmother.

Not to be outdone, Steve Vent, who arranges all the music and has acted as the company photographer, will play Baron Hardup, Cinders’ dad.

A spokesman for OTFM Productions said: “OTFM pantomimes increase in popularity each year. With this particular cast, Christmas 2011 promises to be the best yet. We’re having a lot of fun – come and join us!”

Cinderella is on at the Bridge House Theatre in Myton Road, Warwick, from Wednesday until January 2. For tickets, call 776438 or go online.