Players' classic panto is revived for anniversary

PROBUS PLAYERS are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a rerun of Cinderella, opening on Wednesday.

The rags-to-riches tale is being revived for their anniversary with the original fairy godmother, Julie Kennedy, playing the part once more – and even managing to squeeze back into the same costume.

The original cast of Cinderella performed by the Probus Players in 1992. Fairygodmother, Julie Kennedy (back row right), is playing the part once more in a revival of the show during its 20th anniversary.
Paul Annear and Guy Wignall as ugly sisters Euthanasia and Asphyxia.
Megan Russell, left, and Julie Kennedy as Dandini and the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.
Beth Pritchard and Verity Annear as Prince Charming and Cinderella in the Probus Parish Players' production of Cinderella.
Alan Nicholls and Jenna Richardson play put-upon Baron Hardup and his charming spouse Medusa.
The cheeky duo of Jill Oakley and Rachel Baker as Gus Gus and Gissall in Cinderella.
The principal cast members appearing in the Probus Parish Players' production of Cinderella.
Oh, yes, he is; Nick Aldworth plays the faithful Buttons.

Mrs Kennedy, the group's secretary, said they had been inspired to take the stage by a pantomime staged in 1992 by St Michael's Church in Newquay, declaring: "We can do that."

"The church council gave us £150 to buy materials; we made costumes and searched out props," she said. "Everything was basic; we had one lady on a piano playing the music. Now we have a dedicated band."

Sons, fathers, grandparents and even people from outside the village have joined in.

It's Rachel Baker's eighth show. "My daughter joined, and soon after I was roped in, and then my husband and son got involved, and even my mum helps out in front-of-house," she said.

The Players are previous winners of the Calor Gas Pantomime Awards, the so-called Cornish Oscars.

"They had cardboard Oscars," Mrs Kennedy said.

"It was a great night, although we were starting to feel left out, as we'd missed out on every single award.

"Then the winner was announced and our name was read out. It was brilliant."

Since then the Players have gone on to produce many memorable shows, including a special performance of Frankenstein featuring local youngsters.

Actors also liven up shows with regular pranks at the expense of fellow thespians.

"One night I was supposed to pull on a camel and instead I ended up pulling on a terrier," said Mrs Kennedy.

"The audience loved it.

"We get everyone involved, making sets, costumes, and running the production. It's a community affair."