Lauchlan to put the wind up Coventry panto audiences

Writer and director Iain Lauchlan, a veteran of numerous pantos in Coventry, will play Dame Flatula in Cinderella, the 2023 festive offering at the city’s Belgrade Theatre.

Andy Hockley will play Ugly Sister Aroma while Craig Hollingsworth, who has been in 11 pantos at the Belgrade, will be Buttons. Loren Sunni will play Dandini and Aonghas Ewan will be in the ensemble. A group of new graduates will make their professional debuts including Holly Topping as Cinderella and ensemble members Megan Cook, Cameron Gabriel and Lydia Bell.

The band will comprise musical director Hayley Gibbs, Spencer Hedges on percussion and Chris Jones on bass guitar.

The creative team will include Vicki Stevenson as assistant director and choreographer, Jenny Phillips as choreographer, set designer Ian Westbrook, James McIver as costume designer, lighting designer Matt Clutterham, sound designer Chris Murray and Adrian Sweeney as production manager.

Cinderella will run at the Belgrade from Wednesday 22 November until Saturday 13 January 2024.