by Hayley Robinson

Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is! Panto season is just around the corner and the Times Guardian/Sittingbourne Messenger is the official media partner of this year’s Swale pantomime.

The Wyvern Hall in Sittingbourne will host New World Productions’ ninth Christmas pantomime - Cinderella, and the theatrical spectacular has got a cracking line up of stars.

Former Home and Away star Amy Mizzi, who played Kit Hunter in the Channel Five series, has been cast as the lead role.

Starring alongside her is panto veteran and BBC Radio Kent presenter Paul Harris as Cinderella’s father Baron Hardup, and Gerran Howell – Vlad from the CBBC’s Young Dracula – who plays the Prince’s sidekick Dandini.
This is the second panto Amy has appeared in.

The 26-year-old, who moved to the UK permanently last year, said: “I played Princess Jasmine in Aladin in Rotherham and that’s what encouraged me to come back to panto. We don’t have pantos in Australia so it’s all completely new to me.

“I was planning to go home for Christmas but then I got the call telling me I got the part. I’m not too sad though, it’s every girls dream to play Cinderella isn’t it?

“My mum has already been over once this year so she won’t be able to come over again and see me in panto which is a shame but we speak regularly and she’s supportive of everything I do.”

Paul Harris is just grateful that he won’t have to change costumes.

Paul, who has been involved with about 50 pantos over the year’s, said: “I’m usually cast as the Dame so when they asked me if I’d be Baron I thought about it and I thought 'it’ll be something different.’

"I normally do 12 changes so this will be a lot easier. I’m really happy about doing it. I just hope we will put on a really good production for everyone.”

Gerran Howell, 18, from Barry in Wales, admits he is nervous about appearing in his first panto but also excited.

He said: “I think I’m going to be singing at some point!!

“This is my first big theatre thing and I’m looking forward it as it’s completely different to what I’ve done before. I think my family are coming to watch me on the opening night.”

The panto will be held in The Wyvern Hall at Swallows Leisure Centre, Avenue of Remembrance, from December 11 to December 27.

Tickets, which are priced from £6 to £11.50, are on sale now and already selling fast.

To book call the Swallows Leisure Centre box office on 08451 552277 or 01795 420420.