Cinderella Sparkles in Darlington this Christmas
The cast of Darlington’s family pantomime – Ray Quinn, Deena Payne and Emma Stephens – brought a little piece of early Christmas cheer to the town as they officially launched this year’s Civic Theatre production of Cinderella.
Deena Payne, known to millions of television viewers as the feisty postmistress Viv Hope in Emmerdale, plays the Fairy Godmother. Deena became the longest-serving female cast member in the soap, clocking up 18 years. She was recently seen in the national tour of the play Calendar Girls.
Emma Stephens trained at Laine Theatre Arts and shot to fame when she starred as Sandy, with Ray, in the West End musical Grease. Emma will play opposite her Prince Charming, Ray Quinn, in the role of Cinderella.
Also joining the cast on stage at Christmas is comedy legend, Jimmy Cricket. Twenty one years ago Jimmy played the role of Buttons in Cinderella at the Civic Theatre, and this year he returns playing the role of Baron Hardup.
Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s Pantomime Division and executive producer of Cinderella, said:
“There’s no doubt that Cinderella is the most popular fairytale of them all and we’re delighted to give Darlington audiences a pantomime to remember.”
Cinderella runs at the Civic Theatre from Saturday 3 December 2011 to Sunday 15 January 2012. Tickets can be booked on 01325 486555 or by visiting Darlington Arts
