91Èȱ¬

The Norwich Theatre Royal is celebrating another bumper festive season, as the pantomime Cinderella breaks box-office records for the fifth consecutive year.

More than 67,000 people came to the ball, generating a total of £799,247 for the theatre, up more than £80,000 on the total for Peter Pan in 2005/6.

"We're obviously extremely pleased with the final box-office figures for Cinderella. And we are particularly proud of the quality of the production, the sets and costumes were wonderful," said executive producer Jane Walsh.

Generous donations

During the six-week run, bucket collections were held after each performance in aid of the theatre's 250 Appeal for modernisation - resulting in more than £14,000 in donations.

The Theatre Royal panto is the biggest in Norfolk, though most of county's theatres offer their audiences a festive treat, with many town's and villages in the area also staging an amateur production.

Critics loved it

"Audiences and critics have loved it, the pantomime company were all brilliant, everyone at the theatre worked really hard to make it all happen and we had some fun at same time - what could be better," said Jane Walsh.

The cast included King's Lynn Trevor Jary as Dandini, who then stepped into the lead role of Prince Charming in the last days of show after Adam Rickitt pulled out due to illness.

"It was great to be part of pantomime in Norwich and I'd love to be part of it again sometime," said Trevor.

"The theatre has a lot to offer and it's got a great family atmosphere. It's not the most up-to-date, yet it happily competes and, in many cases, betters other theatres in the UK. It has a lot to offer," he added.

Now watch our exclusive video diaries from members of the cast and crew during the three weeks of rehearsals in the countdown to the opening of the show.

Curtain up

It's early January and rehearsals are now way behind the cast, but hopefully not a too distant memory!

In the final part of our video diary, we join the production amidst the hustle and bustle just 30 minutes before the opening of a matinee performance.

David Gant (Baron Hardup) talks about his delight in returning to pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal and King's Lynn's Trevor Jary (Dandini) is poring over the reviews.

Deputy stage manager Sian Evans is still shouting 'go' and it seems the male dancers are struggling with their ever shrinking tights!

Week Three

It's the final week of preparations and the cast and crew begin their technical rehearsals.

The cast enter the theatre for the first time, as the scenery, lighting, set and costumes come together.

Early on a Monday morning the cast are called to see the press, smile for photos and begin to wonder if their costumes will allow room for an extra helping of Christmas pudding!

Week Two

It's week two and a number of the principal cast members have now joined the dancers at rehearsals.

King's Lynn's Trevor Jary (Dandini) and Adam Rickitt (Prince Charming) are working through a dance number with choreographer Johnny Worthy and musical director Andrew Hilton.

Trevor was last seen in Norwich as transvestite Tremont in Jerry Springer - The Opera and it seems old habits die hard.

Cinderella's sparkling glass slipper caught his eye for this latest video diary installment!

"We're doing a run this evening which is pretty good. I think it's going to be a bit staggered personally.

"I was born in King's Lynn and decided I was going to tread the boards. Here I am back on home ground... It's nice to be back here.

"The last time I did panto was about 13 years ago and I'd forgotten how much fun it is.

"People like the ugly sisters and Mr Gauntlett who's playing Button's are going to be a bit of a handful I think as they ad-lib their way through and try to trip probably me and Adam up," he laughed.

Week One

It's week one of rehearsals and as director and actor, Richard Gauntlett is being put through his paces.

"I'm busy as I'm not only directing it, but I'm in it as well playing Buttons," he said.

"So I'm having meetings about various props and rehearsing the dancing - which for a man of my age is a bit taxing!

"We've tried all the costumes on and everything fits. Mine are lovely. I don't know about the others, but that's up to them!

"Johnny [the choreographer] has just said 'You'll go off at this point for the four-minute dance routine' which I thought was fair - I didn't want to show them up," he laughed.

Cinderella ran at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, 20 January, 2007.