Oldham Coliseum Theatre is pleased to announce Fine Time Fontayne and Simeon Truby as the Ugly Sisters in this year’s festive extravaganza, Cinderella.
It may be the summer holidays but backstage at Oldham Coliseum Theatre preparations are already underway for the Christmas pantomime. Based (loosely) on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, this year’s festive extravaganza features not one, but two Pantomime Dames.
Fine Time Fontayne has been the Coliseum’s beloved Pantomime Dame since 2008 and has lit up Oldham’s historic stage in previous productions of Mother Goose, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella.
Simeon Truby was the theatre’s hero of the hour in 2016, when he triumphantly stepped into the role of the Dame at short notice after an accident in rehearsals meant that Fine Time was unable to perform in Sleeping Beauty. Originally cast to play the part of King Cuthbert, Simeon was universally praised for his performance as Nanny Nutty throughout the nine-week run, despite having only a week and a half to rehearse the part.
Fine Time is also the co-writer of the theatre’s annual pantomime, alongside the theatre’s Chief Executive & Artistic Director, Kevin Shaw. Despite being unable to perform in Sleeping Beauty due to a broken ankle, he was already working on the script for last year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington. Dick Whittington saw the return of Fine Time to the Coliseum stage, with Simeon playing the villain, King Rat, and delivering a crowd pleasing rendition of Rat out of Hell (Meatloaf’s Bat of out Hell).
The Coliseum’s traditional pantomime has been entertaining families of Oldham and beyond for generations. Each year the theatre serves up the perfect panto recipe – excellent actors, singers and dancers dishing out the very best in traditional fun that’s great for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups. Add some music, songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration – and not a cheesy celebrity in sight.
Cinderella runs at Oldham Coliseum Theatre from Saturday 10 November 2018 – Saturday 12 January 2019.
