Cast get set for Cinderella panto at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury
It might still be months away, but the build up to Shrewsbury's annual pantomime has well and truly begun.
This year's production will be fairy-tale classic Cinderella, although audiences might not recognise pantomime star Brad Fitt – as this year he will not be dressed as a woman.
Rather than the pantomime dame, he will instead take on the role of Buttons, Cinderella's friend and her father's servant.
Brad, who directs the show and has appeared in six previous Theatre Severn pantomimes, will line up alongside BBC Radio Shropshire's Eric Smith, who returns for the 14th year in a row.
The director said he is excited about the new role, even if the audience might not recognise him without his dress.
He said: "It is different in as much as I am not wearing high heels and make-up but I think Buttons in Cinderella is very much that driving force.
"In other pantomimes the dame is the engine which pushes the show along but Buttons is that character in Cinderella. Besides the ugly sisters are the dames in Cinderella and I am far too pretty to be an ugly sister – it has got to be believable."
The show features a principle cast of eight, with rehearsals beginning in mid to late November before the opening night on November 30.
The event is Theatre Severn's most successful show of the year and last year's production saw more than 38,000 tickets sold. This year's pantomime will see a total of 66 performances, one more than last year's run.
Brad said that familiarity with the audience helps to make the show what it is.
He said: "It is always exciting, I love coming here, I live in Norfolk and I have spent every Christmas here for the last six years. The nice thing about being in a show where you are based somewhere is you can really get a rapport with the audience and build up a shorthand for what they like and what they expect. It is really nice because you hit the ground running from the very first show."
Asked about his role as Baron Hard-up, radio presenter Eric Smith, joked: "He's an old guy with no money - typecast!"
The presenter, who has previously been a hit with the pantomime audiences, could barely contain his excitement as the production approaches.
He said: "I love it, it is just magic. Here we are in September and it only seems like five minutes, no time at all since we finished in January but here we are starting again. We start rehearsals in a few weeks times and then it's Christmas. I can't wait."
Eric was full of praise for the director, who he said has proved a huge draw for audiences.
He said: "A lot of pantomimes have a big name in it, we do not need one here. The big draw for this is Brad. He has been a brilliant dame here for five years. He directs it as well and is the one that drives it all the way through. He's a lovely guy."
Although very difference from his day-job, Eric said the light-relief provided by the pantomime provides a welcome contrast.
He said: "It is an antidote because in the day job I am sat in a room talking to Claire perhaps, but talking to a brick wall about current affairs, council cutbacks, the CCG overspend, this is fun from beginning to end, front to back."
David Jack, programme and venue manager at Theatre Severn said they can't wait to get started with the show.
He said: "It is our most important event of the year and has the ability to make or break our year. Fortunately for the most recent past it has made our year, every year.
"Audiences have increased year on year to the point where we are doing 66 performance this year which is more than we have ever done, in order to satisfy demand.
"We have built the brand over a number of years and we are so grateful to the people of Shrewsbury and Shropshire who have taken to the panto in such numbers and continue to support it, year after year."
Mr Jack said he is also excited about seeing the star's move from pantomime dame to Buttons.
He said: "That is the USP for this year's pantomime, we get to see Brad in a way we have never seen him before.
"It is the first time he has played a male character and we are sure there will be a few tricks up his sleeve and we are all keen to see what he makes of the role - watch this space."
Tickets are available from the Theatre Severn box office on (01743) 281281 or online at www.theatresevern.co.uk
