“Oh no it isn’t”, “Oh yes it is!” Pantomime season is back and your favourite heroes and villains are ready and waiting in the wings to bring you some festive joy.
At Hounslow Arts Centre, there is no rest, even for the wicked as rehearsals for this year's pantomime, Cinderella are in their final stages.
Getwestlondon was invited backstage for a sneak peek behind the scenes as Cinderella and the rest of the cast prepare to tread the boards on Tuesday, December 6.
One of the actors, Sullivan Beau Brown revealed it is all going to plan.
“It’s surprising how smoothly everything has gone," he said.
"It’s almost worryingly smoothly.”
Sullivan has his work cut out for him as he plays both Dandini and Theresa, one of the ugly stepsisters.
And it appears, the relationship between the two sisters is coming along well.
“It’s a tumultuous relationship," he said.
"We insult each other continually, but I feel that’s the only sign of a healthy relationship.”
This year, there is a real community atmosphere, as during each show, a local choir is invited to perform.
So far eight choirs are involved but director, Jonathan Ashby-Rock, is still on the look out for more and encourages any local choirs to get in touch.
Jonathan has been directing a cast of only seven, but says he enjoys the family feel.
“A few of us knew each other already, three of us were in the show last year," he said.
“There’s only one person that didn't know people as they came in and she slotted in perfectly, so yeah, it’s a real family atmosphere," he added.
“When you’ve only got seven in a cast it’s a real ensemble piece, you do really glue like that.”
The performers will take to the stage in front of an audience for the first time on Tuesday, December 6, but if you are heading along, those involved advise you to look out for the balloons.
Will Cinderella win the heart of the Prince Charming or will the ugly stepsisters get in her way? Well, you will have to get your hands on a ticket to find out.
The pantomime runs until December 30.
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