CORONATION Street's Hayley Tamaddon said she "can't wait to get started" as her Cinderella cast begin to learn their lines ahead of the Christmas show at Rhyl Pavilion.
The spectacular fairytale will be brought to life once again this festive period with Hayley, known as Andrea Beckett in Corrie and Del Dingle in Emmerdale, alongside Balamory actor Andrew Agnew as the loveable Buttons.
Hayley Tamaddon (right) with Cinderella cast members (from left) Bethan Jacks, Josh Belward, Andrew Agnew and Gwynfryn West.
West End actress Hayley, who stars as the Fairy Godmother, is no stranger to Rhyl, having performed here a number of times in the past, however this time her own young family will be among those attending this year.
Speaking to the Journal, Hayley said: “Theatre had been completely shut down for so long and it’s so good to be back. We’re back with a vengeance now. I can’t wait to be back on stage doing a proper show and to be here in Rhyl doing it is amazing.
Hayley Tamaddon and the cast look for Cinderella's missing glass slipper at the Ninja Tag attraction.
“It’s a very long time since I’ve been here and it’s lovely to be back. The people of Rhyl are lovely and kind, and I know it’s going to be a really good panto this year.
"I has been really tough the last year. We have all waited for a long time and been desperate to get back to making theatre.
"I came to Rhyl about 20 years ago and thought I can't quite remember what the show was, I remember the people of Rhyl were lovely and welcoming."
Playing the princess is Bethan Jacks, from Mold, while Prince Charming is Josh Belward, from North Yorkshire.
The Cinderella cast had a ball on the panto launch at SC2's Ninja Tag.
As the character with life-changing power, Hayley was asked what she would do if she had a magic wand this Christmas.
“I would get rid of all the poverty and hardship that people face in the world today,” she said.
"There are so many people who are really struggling, especially during the pandemic, and I just can't stand it."
The 44 year old hopes this year’s panto will bring smles to the faces of audiences who have no doubt faced a lot of challenges during the pandemic.
“I’ve been doing theatre for such a long time and it’s such a powerful and rewarding thing,” she said. “You know what you’re doing is right.
“For a lot of children it will be their first time at the panto. We are going to have to work even harder and have a brilliant show that will be really special.”
Cinderella takes to the stage at Rhyl Pavilion from December 8 to December 31.
Book at www.rhylpavilion.co.uk or call the box office on 01745 330000.
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