CINDERELLA made it to the ball last weekend – and she was joined by the majority of Haltwhistle.

Townsfolk turned out in numbers for a debut pantomime by new group, the Haltwhistle Board Walkers, which was hailed a resounding success.

Fuelled by the magic of fairy godmother (Sue Hibberd), the impressive line-up captivated packed audiences at Haltwhistle Community Campus during three performances last Friday and Saturday.

The group’s chairman and panto assistant director, Jonathan Kenworthy, set the scene in his stage role as Buttons.

The role also brought out his natural narration skills, as the tuxedo-clad host guided the audience from scene to scene, while guarding his prized cactus plant.

Jonathan told the Courant last week that this panto was the first effort for many of the newly-assembled cast.

But his quiet confidence was understandable, for there was acting, singing ability, deep-rooted emotion and comic timing in abundance.

The lead role of Cinderella is a demanding one, yet Ashlyn Harrison excelled as she delivered an accomplished portrayal of the classic fairy tale princess.

She was at the heart of many challenging scenes with other leading characters and offered several impressive vocals to the mix.

It was a memorable show for the Harrison family, for Ashlyn’s sister, Olivia Harrison, played Prince Charming’s faithful servant, Dandini.

Emily Boertien was a versatile prince, with a confident stage presence complemented by memorable singing appearances, which included Adele’s Make You Feel My Love.

They may have been booed and hissed throughout, but there would be no Cinderella without her ugly sisters.

Martin Campbell and Sion McElveen rose to the occasion with the swagger of men quite at home in the roles of Benidormina and Magalophia, respectively.

Mel Schollick-Lewin was handed the trying task of evil stepmother, and added the necessary sinister edge.

Then there were the three heralds – Triumph Herald (James Little); Daily Herald (Jensen Copley) and Hark the Herald (Ruben Copley).

The pint-sized trio entertained with a plethora of well-timed gags to complement their ceremonial duties.

Salt and Vinnie (Shirley Nixon and Julie Harrison) were a comedy double act who baked a cake that might not find its way into Mary Berry’s next book.

Baron Hardup (Rob Copley) was very noble, both in dress and delivery, while villagers Martha Kennedy, Jade Henderson, Elena Seeney, Caitlin Millburn and Isabelle Robinson all made notable appearances.

Vital contributions also came from director Emma Dalby, as well as Val Little, Sam Stout, Martin Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Keith Hibberd, Ben Turner, Jane Copley and Whistle Art Stop.

For more information, visit the Haltwhistle Board Walkers’ Facebook page or email drama@haltwhistlweboardwalkers.org.