Residents bring Cinderella back to stage after 34 years

A pantomime first written and directed in a small New Zealand village in 1992 is being brought back to life on the Sunshine Coast, with two local residents at the heart of the revival.

Pat Atkinson, 86, of Kiels Mountain has returned to the director’s chair for Cinderella, a traditional pantomime she originally wrote and directed 34 years ago.

This time the production will be staged by the Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company  during the June-July school holidays.

For Pat, the production is not only a return to a much-loved script, but also a family affair.

Her husband Tom, now 88, played one of the Ugly Sisters in the original 1992 production and will once again tread the boards as the oldest member of the chorus.

“In 1992 I wrote and directed Cinderella the pantomime in Kumeu, a little village north-west of Auckland,” Pat said.

“Now 34 years later I am doing the same pantomime for the Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company in their gorgeous little theatre at 3 Piringa Street, Wurtulla.

“Tom, my husband, now nearly 89 played one of the Ugly Sisters, and is taking to the stage again as the Town Cryer and member of the chorus in this production.”

Pat said she is “having the time of my life” working with co-director Paula Stephenson, a cast of 12 experienced principals and 15 adults and children in the ensemble.

The production will be presented in the true Victorian tradition, with two dames played by men, a female Cinderella and Dandini, and music hall and early 20th century songs.

“It’s a show that everyone can enjoy – lots of boos and hisses and ‘he’s behind you’s’,” Pat said.  ‘We really want the audience to join in and be part of the whole thing”.

“My goal as director is to make it a show that everybody can enjoy – cast, crew and audience.”

Cinderella will be staged at 7.30pm on June 26 and July 3, 2pm on June 27 and July 4, and 10am and 2.30pm on June 28 and July 5. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 concession, $30 groups/members/FOC and $20 children 15 years and under. Bookings are essential via www.trybooking.com/DKTUD or phone 0490 329 912.

Policemen and Baron rehearsing.