Charlie blossoms as a Fairy Godmother

Dec 10 2010 By Barry Dix

WHEN gardener Charlie Dimmock was recruited to take part in the Ground Force TV makeover programme more than a decade ago, she could hardly have imagined how her career would blossom.

If you had told her that one day she would be appearing in pantomime at one of the South of England’s most prestigious theatres, she would no doubt have laughed all the way down the garden path.

But she's now left the grubby jumpers and dirty fingernails behind and finds herself playing the role of Fairy Godmother in the annual sumptuous and glitzy treat that is the Theatre Royal Windsor’s festive panto.

Charlie, who has just finished appearing as Celia in the touring production of Calendar Girls, will be rather more warmly and elaborately dressed for her pantomime debut in Cinderella, as she takes to the stage in a puff of smoke, clutching a magic wand, with not a water feature in sight.

She’ll be joined by Windsor stalwart Christopher Beeny, from Last of the Summer Wine, and two ‘survivors’ of last year’s hugely-successful production, Jess Conrad, who’ll be getting plenty of boos as the Evil Baron, and Steven Blakely, who featured in several series of Hearbeat.

Christopher and Steven are cast as the Ugly Sisters, being as horrible as they can to downtrodden Cinderella, played by former teen favourite Lisa Scott-Lee who, as one of the members of the spectacularly-successful Steps, enjoyed four number one albums and 15 top five hit singles (only the Beatles had done better at that time) and gained a Brit award for best selling live act.

Prince Charming is her real-life husband Johnny Shentall, who carved out his own pop music career as one of Hear’say and went on to work extensively in musical theatre, including several roles in the West End.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kevin Cruise finds his career opening up as Buttons, while children’s favourite Fireman Sam will also be climbing the showbiz ladder when he makes a special guest appearance.

Mix in a talented cast of singers and dancers, four real miniature horses to pull Cinderella’s coach, and the Theatre Royal’s unrivalled expertise and magical, sparkling sets, all played out in one of the most perfect panto venues in the country, and you have a marvellous Christmas treat for all ages.

Cinderella runs until Sunday January 9. Call the box office on 01753 853888 or book online at www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk .