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Little Pennywell
Cinderella has been transformed into Cinderfella as pupils put a comic twist on the traditional pantomime.
The annual Pennywell School production also sees a host of characters, from the stars of Little Britain to the Spice Girls, joining in the fun.
Taking the starring role, Vicky Pollard has been cast as Cinderfella and will be played by 15-year-old Luke Bowley.
Vicky's Prince Charming is the dopey long-haired care assistant, Lou, who pushes his sidekick Andy around in a wheelchair and will be played by Year Nine pupil Dimitri Price, 14.
They will be joined on stage by another 68 pupils for the production which opens on Monday.
The script was written by performing arts tutor Mandi Dittmar, who has taught at Pennywell School for 10 years and directed several of the school's Christmas shows.
She said: "We have done Annie, Oliver! and Joseph, but it is the first time I have ever written a pantomime. It has been a lot of fun, the kids love it and rehearsals have been hilarious."
Songs from the starring couple will include Especially for you, by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan and Don't Go Breaking My Heart, by Elton John and Kiki Dee.
The Spice Girls will take time out from their world tour to help woo Cinders and her Prince Charming at the ball, and 80s band Adam and the Ants will sing the prince's anthem.
Handling hordes of 11 to 16-year-olds has been time-consuming for Mandi who held rehearsals every night after school and will put in two full days before the show.
But a great deal of pride has been taken in the production.
Mandi added: "The costumes are identical to the originals, so no expense has been spared.
"We have also hired a fabulous set and extra staging as well as lots of pyro-technics. The children are very excited and tickets are selling like hot cakes."
Several children have roles as dancers and have choreographed scenes from famous films like Dirty Dancing and Saturday Night Fever.
There is something for everyone in the family show and football fans will not be disappointed, with the casting of David Beckham as Buttons and a starring role from Sunderland Football Club.
The Ugly Sisters will be played by Little Britain's "ladies", Emily and Florence, and the only gay in the village, Daffyd, will be the butler.
Other characters from the Matt Lucas and David Walliams sketch show will pop up in the most unexpected places and the show promises to be a crowd pleaser.
Tickets are 3.50, or four for 12, and selling fast. For more information contact Dave Dittmar at Pennywell School, tel: 553 6832.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
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