The Belgrade Theatre pantomime is a wonderful Christmas tradition for many families across Coventry and Warwickshire, but for the Stevenson family this year’s production of Cinderella is more special than ever.
Over the last 26 years, three generations of the Stevenson family have been involved in the Belgrade panto, both on stage and behind the scenes, however this year mother Vicki and daughter Zayleigh will be performing alongside each other for the first time.
Vicki Stevenson, age 35, will be appearing as part of the professional cast for the first time having performed in the junior chorus in 7 different pantomimes at the Belgrade between the ages of 9 and 16. Since then she has gone on to a career in performing arts, appearing in pantomimes across the country, and founded Eloquent Dance Academy in Hinckley 2002 where she is now Principal.
Following in her footsteps is her daughter, Zayleigh Stevenson, age 10, who will be performing on stage alongside her mother for the first time as part of the junior chorus made up of 27 talented young children who successfully auditioned earlier this year. Zayleigh is no stranger to the spotlight having performed in her first pantomime, Dick Whittington, on the Main Stage last Christmas.
This family’s love of theatre stems back to Grandmother Margaret Stevenson, age 75, who began Chaperoning for the Belgrade pantomime in 1991 and continued every Christmas for 20 years, until she retired in 2011. Margaret is thrilled to see her granddaughter and great granddaughter on stage together for the first time over this festive season.
She said, “My three girls all went to dance school, then my granddaughter Vicki came along and we knew straight away since she was 18 months old that she was a dancer. She used to love it! Of course now she has her own dance school so I’ve always been involved in dance through Vicki. I’m so, so proud to see that first night with them both on the stage because my late husband always encouraged them and went to see all their dances. It would have been so wonderful if he’d seen the two of them together so it will be very emotional too.”
This magical rags to riches tale will be brought to life with spectacular sets, lavish costumes and sing-along-songs that make a trip to the Belgrade a truly unmissable Christmas treat.
Join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend Buttons and the enchanting Fairy Godmother.
But with her evil Ugly Sisters determined to ruin her chances and the clock about to strike midnight, will Cinders manage to win the Prince’s love before the spell runs out?
Cinderella will run on the Main Stage at the Belgrade Theatre from Weds 22 Nov 2017 – Sat 13 Jan 2018.
Tickets are available now priced from £16.75 for adults, £11.75 for children and £47 for families. Book now by calling the Belgrade’s Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are even cheaper online.