The finishing touches are being put to the set, actors are polishing up their scenes and the technical crew is learning its cues. And of course everything is being covered in sparkly panto magic as everyone prepares for the opening night at The Brindley.

Cinderella runs from 12 December until 15 January at the multi-award winning Halton Borough Council venue. It stars 80s/90s singing sensation Sonia and Miss British Isles, Rebecca Lake.

They join Desperate Scousewife Charlie Griffiths, local theatre star, Andrew Curphey, Romford’s Rikki Stone, a veteran of numerous pantos all over the country and dame Connor Harper, who comes to Runcorn from London, to make his panto debut.

He will play alongside Peter Kosta, who will play the other ugly sister. For several years he was the official life-size Roland Rat, and the Channel Tunnel mascot Marcus Mole.

Prince Charming will be played by actor/model Christopher Pym, originally from Warrington, but working in London after hitting national fame after BBC1’s search for a Joseph, Any Dream Will Do.

Ticket Prices are Children £16, Adults £20, Conc. £19, Family Ticket £65 (2 adults, 2 children), Groups 20 plus £17, Schools £10 (One teacher in 25 goes free, no booking fee). Contact 0151 907 8360 and www.thebrindley.org.uk