The Springboard Charity is pioneering the project to raise vital funds to help young people achieve their potential, nurture unemployed adults into work and help alleviate poverty by supporting people into employment within hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Chris Penn, who came up with the idea, said: “Springboard is a charity that recognises the need to embrace change and act differently to attract and support employment into hospitality, leisure and tourism. The industry is changing, the employees and consumers are evolving, and it was about time that industry events started changing and innovating away from exclusive and sometimes intimidating black tie functions.
“I think that a pantomime is the perfect way to show a fun and fresh new side of the industry's leaders as a backdrop to bringing together like minded humans in support of an honourable cause.”
Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO, said: “We’re always on the look-out for imaginative ways to support the work of The Springboard Charity and when Chris Penn mentioned doing a panto, we absolutely loved the idea and leapt at the chance. We were overwhelmed with the support from industry and the number of people who have a penchant for dressing up!
“The panto promises to be full of entertainment and fun - we can’t wait to see leading industry figures take part in our adaptation of Cinderella in January.”
Main Cast:
- Cinderella: Anne Britton (Night 1) & Charlotte Horler (Night 2)
- Buttons: David Armitage
- Fairy Godmother: Bob Silk
- Prince Charming: Josh Light
- Stepmother: Chris Penn
- Baron Hardup: Gary King
- Ugly Sisters: David Cowdery & Bala McAlinn (Night 1), Andrew McKenzie & Jonathan Raggett (Night 2)
- Dandini: JJ Goodman (Night 1) & Lorraine Wood (Night 2)
- The King: Bruce A J McLauchlan
- The Prime Minister: Helen Flint (Night 1) & Stephanie Wybourn (Night 2)
- The Mice: Rebekah Chaplin & David Noble (Night 1), Natasha Rasheed & Keiron Botting (Night 2)
- Court Herald: Peter Hancock
- Footman: Ron Hickey (Night 1) & Paul Hurren (Night 2)
Tickets start from £17.50 and hospitality packages are available (minimum two people). Expect nothing short of the best hospitality with a package that will include champagne and canapes upon arrival and during the interval. A post-pantomime party will also be held featuring food and drink, a DJ and a photo booth with pantomime props.
Tickets can be bought via the Kings Place website: kingsplace.co.uk/Springderella