The Pembridge Players - “Cinderella”

In January 2004 panto came to Pembridge when the Pembridge Players staged a production of “Cinderella.” It played to packed houses in the Parish Hall before going on tour to Weobley.
The show was written and directed by Mike Bearcroft who had professional acting experience. He appeared in “On the Line” as Roy of the Rovers agent and had cameo roles in” The Bill”, “Casualty”, “Brookside” and “Peak Practice.” At Malvern Theatre he appeared in “Travels with My Aunt.” Mike brought his professional acting experience to the direction of the Pembridge Players. A high standard was demanded of the cast, who were required to undergo rigorous auditions and rehearsals.
This same high standard applied to all aspects of the production. The programme, designed and produced by Bob Anderson, would not have been out of place in the West End theatre. Attention to detail in all aspects of the backstage management made for a highly acclaimed production. This included many musical numbers in which the cast were supported by three choirs.
The music was under the stewardship of Musical Director Jonathan Hughes-Jones. Jonathan combined his love of music, playing in many local bands, with running the Pembridge Terracotta Company with his wife Melanie.
Choreography was masterminded by professionally trained dancer, Sue Bearcroft, who had appeared on “Sunday Night at the London Palladium.”
The lead roles were performed by; Amy Ratcliffe as Cinderella; Mark Cresswell as Buttons; Pat Stokes as Prince Charming; Sophie Wright as Dandini; Sue Goodman and Gill Lomax as the Ugly Sisters; Geoff Marshall as Baron Hard -Up; Adrian Lomax as Lord Filth of Builth; Sharon Simcock as the Fairy Godmother; and Stan Latosinski as Major Domo.
Other notable contributions were made by Stage Manager Alan Stokes; Wardrobe Mistress Helen Phiben, Sound & Lighting Bob Anderson; Auditorium Manager Jen Myers; Scenery Design Glyn Whiting; Hair and Make Up Helen Duggan; Publicity Ken Hockenull and Sue Heelis; Fund Raising Stan and Anna Latosinski. Their teams were too numerous to mention by name. The panto, was sponsored by Border Oak Design and Construction Ltd.
A DVD of the performance was made. Some members of the cast we spoke to wondered if others would like to stage a reunion and showing of the film, on the 20th anniversary, in January 2024?
If you appeared in “Cinderella” or helped backstage and would like to share your memories of that time with the Pembridge Players do get in touch via our comments page.

Kay Ingram