Pantomime: Cinderella at the Liverpool Empire

Dec 5 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

The Liverpool Empire will say farewell to the Capital of Culture year with the star-studded pantomime Cinderella from December 11-January 4.

The one and only Cilla Black returns to her native city to play the Fairy Godmother alongside actress, model and singer Jennifer Ellison as Cinderella, comedian and TV star Les Dennis as Buttons, Hollyoaks actor Nick Pickard and actor Ted Robbins as Baron Hardup. Radio presenter Pete Price and Brick up the Mersey Tunnels star Roy Brandon play the Ugly Sisters.

Cilla Black said: “I was very flattered to be asked by the City of Liverpool to be part of the finale of the city’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008. This is definitely a homecoming, as Liverpool is ‘home’ to me and I can’t wait to spend time with my friends and family.

“I am also very excited that my grandchildren will be able to come and see me in a pantomime and there is no better place than Liverpool for them to do that.

“Last time I performed in a pantomime at the Liverpool Empire was as Aladdin in 1986 and I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage there.”

Empire general manager Hannah Collins said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be finishing our European Capital of Culture year in such an exciting way – this is without doubt the strongest cast in the theatre’s history of Christmas shows. Cinderella will to be the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.”

Ticket prices are: £15, £20, £24, £27.50. Ring the box office on 0844 847 2525 or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk