A CHARITY pantomine has been cancelled just five days before it was to take to the stage after rows in the production team. Cinderella Goes to Hollywood was due to be performed this Saturday to raise money for the mayor's charities.

But with just days to go the council-led project has been called off after a falling out between the producer, Cllr Wes Hollands and the writer, 19-year-old Michael Paintain. As rehearsals entered their last week Mr Paintain accused Cllr Hollands' actors of "not being up to scratch," while Cllr Hollands called seven of Mr Paintain's dancers "an embarrassment".

The dancers walked out, quickly followed by Mr Paintain, who claimed he was treated like a child by Cllr Hollands. He said: "Although I was supposed to be directing the show I was basically treated as though I knew nothing. Everyone seemed to have an opinion and a say in the show, expect myself."

With just a week to go until curtain-up Cllr Hollands replaced Mr Paintain's seven dancers with youngsters from the Medway-based Jackie Lynn Dance Group. Mr Paintain, who regularly works voluntarily with Medway youngsters, said: "I offer the cheapest prices possible so that anyone can have a go. I don't care what experience they've got. I just look for their interest and talent."

After the battle over the dancers, Mr Paintain decided to cut ties with Cllr Hollands, reinstate the dancers and create another production. Meanwhile, Cllr Hollands was planning to press ahead with his version of the show.

However, the confusion has meant both productions have now been cancelled. The original show was due to take place on Saturday and would have raised money for the Oliver Fisher special baby care unit at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Cllr Hollands said: "It's a shame it had to be pulled. The only losers are the charities." Mr Paintain added: "I think it's good to leave it for a while because otherwise there will be arguing. I've got a lot of other projects to do throughout the year so I won't be able to fit it in until the end of the year.

"It's good to do a panto either at the beginning or end of the year not in the middle."

Everyone who has bought tickets is being given a full refund.