TV and radio presenter, stand-up comic and EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood is to play Buttons in Cinderella, Derby LIVE’s 2016 production at Derby Arena.
Eilish O’Carroll—Winnie McGoogan in the TV sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys—is the fairy godmother and Lloyd Warbey, presenter of the children’s TV show Art Attack, will be Dandini.
Blackwood said, “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Cinderella. I always have so much fun on stage and love having laughs with the audience.”
Cinderella producer Paul Holman said, “I’m delighted to have secured such a brilliant actor as Richard to play Buttons. It’s the perfect part for him to showcase his warmth, energy, enthusiasm and big personality. It’ll give him every opportunity to dish out his quick-fire one-liners, charm and mischievous behaviour.”
Dean Horner and Oliver Gray will play the Ugly Sisters and Cara Dudgeon will be Cinderella. The panto is written by Keith and Ben Simmons. Alan Cohen directs, choreographer is Robert Wheeler and musical director is Michael Lovelock.
Cinderella runs from Tuesday 6 December until Tuesday 3 January 2017.