It's never that time of year again, is it? Oh yes it is!

With Christmas fast approaching, pantomime season is upon us once more – and this time we welcome Rula Lenska to town.

Rehearsals are already well under way for Cinderella which will open at The Hexagon in two weeks’ time.

Ms Lenska, star of television shows such as Footballers Wives and Dr Who, and who was married to Minder and New Tricks actor Dennis Waterman, said she is excited to come back to Reading after 18 years because she remembers how fun the last time was.

The Fairy Godmother-to-be said: “I was in Aladdin at The Hexagon with Jet from Gladiators and I had a great time. But one of the downsides was travelling in from London. The motorway was fine but getting into Reading itself was not at all fun.

“I love the camaraderie of panto. It is an important milestone in every child’s life as it is usually their first experience of live theatre so it is a big responsibility to keep people coming back to the theatre.

“I only do traditional pantomime with real actors, none of these television personalities, and this is my 15th pantomime.

“I said last year it would be my last, maybe this year will be but you never know.”

Actress Laura Jeffrey is playing Cinderella in her first ever pantomime and said she is delighted to have been given the role.

“Cinderella was the first pantomime I went to see as a child so it is nice to go full circle and have it as my own first pantomime as an actress,” she said.

“It is a really traditional pantomime and great for all the family as well as bringing the town together.”

EastEnders star Rolan Bell, who plays Theo, has landed the role of Buttons and said the children of Reading can expect some magic this Christmas.

He said: “This is going to be exciting and fun, but most of all – magical. I love Christmas, I turn into a little kid and pantomime is something I have always wanted to do.

“When I graduated in 2005 I asked my agent to do panto but he said I needed to be more experienced. Well, here I am.”

For tickets and details of the panto, visit www.readingarts.com.

nslater@reading-epost.co.uk

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