Behind the scenes of Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome - in photos
These pictures give a fascinating insight into what life is like backstage at one of the Midlands' biggest pantomimes.
They show the glamour, hard work and anticipation of waiting to take to the spotlight during performances of the show at Birmingham Hippodrome starring Wolverhampton's own Beverley Knight as the Fairy Godmother and pop and television star Suzanne Shaw as Cinderella.
The exclusive images show soul diva Beverley taking a break backstage in between scenes and the finishing touches being put to Suzanne's ballgown before she enters the stage.
While David Dale who plays Ugly Sister Voluptua is seen touching up his make-up in the mirror.
This year’s production of Cinderella features a staggering 135 different costumes 109 wigs or headdresses and 87 individual pairs of shoes.
All of the flamboyant costumes that feature in this year’s extravaganza require regular maintenance between shows.
Ceri Dupree and David Dale, who play Ugly Sisters Verruca and Voluptua have a total of 19 individual costume changes.
All of the flamboyant costume creations featured in Cinderella are housed backstage in two specially constructed 'quick change' areas.
The quickest ‘quick change’ takes 45 seconds backstage - this is Cinderella’s transformation from wearing a stunning ball gown to the less glamorous worker attire. Her two ball gowns weight the equivalent of 67 bags of sugar each
There is also an on-stage 'quick change' that takes six seconds.
All of the performers are responsible for their own make-up pre-show and this is prepared during the ‘half hour’ call, 35 minutes before the show goes up.
Cinderella features a cast of 19 principle performers plus two teams of Panto Babes - who are all students of The Birmingham Stage School.
Over the course of this year’s pantomime, the cast will spend more 180 hours on stage spread across 72 individual performances.
The pantomime, which also stars celebrities such as Danny Mac, Matt Slack and The Grumbleweeds, runs until Sunday, January 28.
For tickets call 0844 338 5000 or go online to www.birminghamhippodrome.com
