Soap star Lucy Benjamin will send Cinderella to the ball, as she takes on the role of the Fairy Godmother in Chatham Central Theatre’s pantomime.

Monday was the first time Lucy had set foot in Chatham.

She was there for the pantomime launch, and said she was looking forward to exploring the town at Christmas.

She said: “Everyone will be seeing me on the High Street in the shops.

“The theatre here is lovely - it is the perfect size.

“Seeing children’s faces light up is my favourite thing about panto. Often it is the gateway for children to get into theatre and musicals.

“Everyone should come along. Jordan Productions always puts on a great show and the cast are amazing.”

She’ll be joined by Milkshake Live’s Derek Moran. He’ll play loveable and slightly flustered Dandini - Prince Charming’s sidekick.

He said: “I love panto; I’ve done them all. My character helps the prince, sometimes even pretends to be the prince, to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Jessica Croll will play Cinderella and cannot wait to take her from rags to riches.

She said: “I was in Dick Whittington last year and Chatham brought in such a great crowd. This year is going to be great.”

But it won’t all be plain sailing for Cinderella - ugly step-sisters Flora and Marj, played by Richard Pocock and Harry Hart, will be ensuring the spotlight is firmly on them.

The leading character will be supported by a group of dancers aged eight to 17.

More than 150 keen performers pirouetted, box-stepped and high kicked to impress the pantomime directors. Twenty were cast.

Opening night will be Thursday, December 12, and the show will run, with matinee and evening performances, until Sunday, January 5, excluding Christmas Day.

Book tickets at www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or ring the box office on 01634 338338.

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