Christmas pantos are a special double act (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Christmas pantos are a special double act

10:20am Saturday 2nd May 2009 in

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GLASS slippers, fairy Godmothers and a magical world hidden at the back of a wardrobe are all on the bill for the Anvil Arts’ Christmas shows this year.

Bookings have opened for Anvil Arts’ two Christmas shows – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, at The Haymarket, and Cinderella, at The Anvil. Both shows are being sponsored by Gazette Newspapers.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis, is the story of four children who find their way to a magical land through a wardrobe, and discover a kingdom ruled over by the evil White Witch.

Together with animal friends they meet in the forest, the children go in search of the mythical lion Aslan to defeat the callous witch and restore peace, happiness and Christmas to Narnia.

C.S. Lewis’ book has delighted generations of children since it was first published, and this Anvil Arts production – adapted by Glyn Robbins and directed by Richard Williams – is from the team that brought The Wizard of Oz to The Haymarket, and it is sure to be a Christmas treat for all the family.

This year’s traditional pantomime Cinderella, at The Anvil, stars Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers – both from CITV’s Toonattik.

Poor Cinderella works hard day and night while her spiteful Ugly Sisters do nothing. But when she meets her Fairy Godmother, her life starts to change in all sorts of wonderful ways and there is singing, dancing, fun and laughter – as well as two delightful Shetland Ponies – for a bit of magic this Christmas.

The Anvil has once again joined forces with UK Productions, which produce high quality, traditional pantomime for all the family, for this popular and magical story.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is running at The Haymarket from December 4 until January 2, and Cinderella starts at The Anvil on December 10 and will run until January 3.

Tickets for both shows can be booked at The Anvil Arts box office, on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk.