Linda Gray makes her pantomime debut in Cinderella
Dallas star Linda Gray is making her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderalla at New Wimbledon Theatre.
Linda (right) has been joined by the comedian and actor Tim Vine as Buttons, panto favourites Matthew Kelly and Matthew Rixon as the Ugly Sisters, and Wayne Sleep in the role of Dandini. The show runs until January 11.
Linda Gray is renowned for playing the iconic role of Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas, the most globally watched TV show of the 1980s. Linda reprised this role in 2012 and the final series of this revival is currently airing on Channel Five. She also played Mrs Robinson in the 2001 West End production of The Graduate.
Tim Vine is an award-winning comedian who has been touring the comedy circuit for years. He has won awards including the Perrier Newcomer Award in 1995, The Funniest Joke at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2012 and 2014 and is the former world record holder for most jokes told in an hour - all 499 of them. Tim has also appeared on television shows including Not Going Out, Celebrity Mastermind, Neighbours, Don't Blow the Inheritance, QI, Live At The Apollo, Blandings and Celebrity Squares.
Matthew Kelly is widely known for presenting Stars In Their Eyes. As an award-winning actor, TV credits include Dickens' Bleak House and a starring role in the crime thriller series Cold Blood. On stage his credits range widely from Shakespeare to musicals - Lend Me A Tenor, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, Twelfth Night, Troilus and Cressida, Waiting for Godot and Of Mice and Men; for which he won an Olivier Award. Matthew was praised by critics and audiences alike in his role as Widow Twankey in Family First Entertainment’s production of Aladdin at New Wimbledon Theatre last year.
Wayne Sleep is a British dancer, director, choreographer, actor and panellist. He was a Principal Dancer with the Royal Balle and has appeared as a guest artist with several other ballet companies. Wayne’s TV credits include I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Stepping Out, Big Ballet and, most recently, Celebrity Masterchef.
Matthew Rixon, son Matthew Kelly, has appeared in many theatre productions and his theatre credits include Roger Debris in The Producers, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and To Kill A Mockingbird. Matthew most recently played the Chief of Police in the critically acclaimed production of Aladdin at NWT last year.
The cast will also be joined by musical theatre stars; Amy Lennox (9 to 5, Sound of Music and Soho Cinders The Musical) in the lead role of Cinderella and Liam Doyle as Prince Charming. Liam’s previous credits include Mamma Mia, Fiyero in Wicked (national tour) and most recently the UK premier of Altar Boyz at the Greenwich Theatre.
Linda Gray said: "I am so delighted to be making my pantomime debut in Cinderella at the beautiful New Wimbledon Theatre. I have heard such great things about British pantomime and I am very excited to get started! I am especially looking forward to working with such a brilliant and talented cast; the script is hilarious, my costume is sensational and I am looking forward to spending Christmas in the wonderful city of London."
Cinderella, a put upon maid to her horrid Ugly Sisters, is transformed to the belle of the ball! With sumptuous sets, gorgeous fairytale costumes, riotous Panto Dames, real Shetland ponies and bags of audience participation, fun and laughter is guaranteed for all of the family. The production is bought to Wimbledon by First Family Entertainment.
December 11, 2014