But Preston Council bosses are determined their latest production – a foray into the panto business – will be a resounding success.

The city's own award-winning Guild Hall Productions is stepping out into the world of professional theatre to present this year's Preston pantomime.

Cinderella, which will be staged in the Charter Theatre, has already set stars of stage and television twitching to play some of the great parts on offer, with some fabulous names already in the frame.

Comedian and BBC presenter Ted Robbins will be both director and star as Baron Hardup while Dr Who and Torchwood actor Gareth David-Lloyd will be The Prince.

The production company was launched by Guild Hall general manager Chris Haylett two years ago.

He said: "I knew it had the potential to be a fabulous success. Preston and the surrounding area is fortunate to have access to some of the country's leading theatrical and arts colleges and, therefore, produces a high calibre of performers that Guild Hall Productions can nurture by offering them the opportunity to be involved in a fantastic variety of high quality productions."

He added: "We now have a fantastic track record in producing amazing shows for the Charter Theatre, with several awards for our productions already.

"Due to this success we have been given the opportunity to produce the very high profile Charter Theatre pantomime for 2009, elevating Guild Hall Productions to a professional theatre company."

Despite the credit crunch, audiences have continued to grow at Preston's premier venues with ticket sales rising steadily.

Over the past year the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre has hosted children's favourites like Lazytown Live, sell-out shows by artists including Katherine Jenkins and Sugababes, comedians Jimmy Carr and Al Murray, and West End musicals.

Preston College's Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty are currently showing.



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