CORONATION Street actor Kimberly Hart-Simpson is swapping the cobbles of soap land for title starring role in St Helens Theatre Royal’s Christmas pantomime Cinderella.
Best known for playing the role of Nicky Wheatley in the world’s longest running television soap opera, Kimberly is no stranger to St Helens.
Before she got her big break in Corrie, talented seamstress Kimberly worked behind the scenes in the costume departments of the Theatre Royal and Epstein Theatre, creating costumes for shows produced by Regal Entertainments Ltd.
For her return, Kimberly, who is from Rhyl, is excited to be stepping into the bright lights of the stage to play the lead role in Cinderella, the hotly anticipated Christmas family pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal – always a spectacular and glamorous production.
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Cinderella will run at St Helens Theatre Royal from Saturday, December 3, to Sunday, January 8.
Kimberly Hart-Simpson to star in Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal
The former Rhyl High pupil’s other performing credits include Hollyoaks; Rita in Educating Rita at Swanage Theatre, and Chantelle in Mount Pleasant on Sky TV. She also appeared in Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion on E4.
To mark her cast announcement, St Helens Theatre Royal and Regal Entertainments Ltd have released a behind-the-scenes image of Kimberly dressed as Cinderella working in the wardrobe department.
Kimberly Hart-Simpson to star in Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal
It was there, in that actual room at the Theatre Royal, that Kimberly took the call offering her the part in Coronation Street.
Kimberly said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas. I have such fond and happy memories working in wardrobe behind-the-scenes on costume and set with Regal Entertainments, that it’ll feel like a homecoming. I’m excited to see all those lovely, friendly faces again – Chantelle, Jane and the team are like family.
“It will feel a bit strange being out front on the stage and seeing the audience instead of looking after all those incredible stunning costumes – but now I’m going to be wearing them, so it’s the best of both worlds.
"Performing is my passion but I also love fashion, I’m a huge advocate of vintage clothing and repurposing garments. Playing Cinderella is going to be quite an experience, and I really cannot wait.”
Kimberly Hart-Simpson to star in Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal
Kimberly joins the Cinderella cast alongside Britain’s Got Talent performers Jamie Leahey and puppet Chuck, and comedian and musician Jon Courtenay.
Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan added: “Kimberly is a very welcome addition to the Cinderella cast. We watched her flourish as a seamstress, and now it’s so special seeing her grow as an actor. We have the real pleasure of nurturing talent through Regal Entertainments’ productions, so it’s always a privilege when we have the opportunity to welcome back talent – backstage to the lead role is a first for us, and it’s a very exciting prospect. We’re looking forward to becoming part of Kimberly’s next adventure, she is going to make a captivating Cinderella.”
- Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
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