Rehearsals have begun for Miracle’s ‘Cinderella’ – a new take on the world’s favourite rags-to-riches fairy tale - which will be performed exclusively at Falmouth’s Princess Pavilion this December.

Audiences of all ages are invited to experience the undiluted joy of pantomime in its heyday of 150 years ago, as a Victorian theatre company attempt to use all the latest technological advances to tell this tale…what could possibly go wrong?

The Prince is looking for a bride. When Cinderella’s twisted step sisters, Euthanasia and Anaesthesia, steal her invitation to the palace and hide her ball gown, she has to rely on the Fairy Godmother’s magic skills to rescue her - with unpredictable results!

‘It’s wonderful to be presenting Cinderella at the Princess Pavilion this year’, said Miracle founder and artistic Director Bill Scott, ‘Falmouth was home to Miracle Theatre for many years before we moved to our current base Krowji in Redruth. During this period, operating from an office near the Art School and making do with unlikely production spaces, from a fish factory and a shed at the docks to an abandoned warehouse in Penryn, Miracle grew from a group of three part-time actors to the established professional company it is today. Our association with the Princess Pavilion goes back 20 years to 1996, when we produced ‘The Palace of Delights”, a series of epic variety performances, hosted by Miracle’s much loved compères, the dubious showbiz personalities Frank and Ernest. We wonder how many of your readers remember that?!”

For Cinderella, Miracle have reached further back in time and enlisted the help of the Victorian era’s most adventurous impresario, Julius Ffitch. This will not be Mr Ffitch’s first visit to Falmouth, where, with productions such as The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin, his Repertory Players have previously “lit up the stage with a confection of lavish scenery, heart-stopping drama, sidesplitting comedy, athletic ballet, confounding effects and orchestral melodies!”.

The show will start rehearsals in Pool, where Miracle is being hosted by Cornwall College, and will move to Falmouth for its final few days of production, where Falmouth-based designers Alan and Jude Munden will put the final touches on the beautiful and authentic set, complete with hand painted backdrops and scenery.

This special residency is made possible through an amazing range of local working relationships. Miracle is partnering with Princess Pavilion, Falmouth BID, Falmouth Town Council, as well as Trebah Garden, Polgoon Vinery and Orchard, Fal River, Cornwall College and The Falmouth Packet as media partner on this project.

“We’re delighted to be working with Miracle Theatre again this year and proud to be hosting their latest pantomime treat in the shape of Cinderella.” Says Julian Munday of Princess Pavilion “I’m absolutely certain it’s going to be a fantastic success when considering Miracle’s sheer talent for consistently putting miles of smiles upon the faces of their audiences. Christmas is going to be cracking this year at the Princess Pavilion.”

‘Trebah Amphitheatre is delighted to be a Cinderella Partner this Christmas,” said Jonathan Bray, “strengthening further our association with Miracle Theatre who are always an essential part of our summer programme. We are particularly excited to see the unveiling of ‘The Royal Boxes’ one of which will be inspired by our subtropical gardens. We can't wait to see a Miracle twist on a classic pantomime; Cinderella is set to be the funniest show on stage in Cornwall this Christmas."

Opening on Friday, December 16, there are only 20 performances – but with the choice of afternoon and evening performances, why not make a day of it and enjoy the many shops and cafes Falmouth has to offer as well.

“It’s great to see Miracle is staging a professional pantomime in Falmouth this year’ said Falmouth Town Manager Richard Gates, ‘this promises to be a must-see outing for all ages and families who can enjoy the atmosphere of Falmouth at Christmas, combined with the entertainment of Cinderella.”

Tickets are now on sale! All adult seats £15, under 16’s £10 and Family ticket £40 (only available when booked in advance) plus festive meal deals available - Book Now for Cornwall’s must see Christmas show! 01326 211 222 www.miracletheatre.co.uk