Cinderella - Rochdale Infirmary Players

Rochdale Infirmary Players are now known nationwide for the mention given to them at The British Soap Awards and The National Television Awards. Whilst collecting two awards for Best Newcomer, Former player Craig Gazey (Graeme, Coronation Street), thanked the group for giving him his first ever part, at the tender age of five.

The audience were full of anticipation for the opening night of Cinderella, at Falinge High School and they were not disappointed. Director, Mary Kershaw, assembled a very strong cast, who grabbed the audience's attention from the very start. Cinderella was played with delightful charm, by Samantha Hayes and held the sympathy of the audience throughout. Reece Cole, as Buttons, showed great maturity in handling an audience and had the kids on his side from the very start.

Dave Edwards was an excellent Baron Hardup, set upon constantly by the nagging Baroness Hardup, played by Kelly Fenton. The audience loved to hate Clive Hartley and John Owen, as the Ugly Sisters, who bounced off each other with great confidence and professional comic timing. Julie Gronan, as the Prince and Craig Harrison, as Dandini, worked together well and added a little more seriousness to the production.

The production’s chorus, juniors and dancers came across confidently in their respective singing and dancing routines, adding another dimension to the pantomime. Kelly Mooney, as The Fairy Godmother, weaved her magic throughout the evening, which was a credit to all concerned. The show had professional scenery, provided and stage managed by Graham Kershaw, from Prosceneium, in Littleborough and Littleborough costumier Frank Kershaw made the fabulous costumes.

The proceeds of the show will be going to the Floyd Unit, Birch Hill Hospital Neurology Unit and the cast are to be congratulated on putting on such a polished production, after putting in long hours caring for patients.

February 2010