The hectic social whirl that is Christmas has seen BELLA BARTOCK out twice in a week. Last night in New Addington, she was one of the lucky ones to get the hottest ticket in town, for the Salvation Army’s annual panto

The Addington Community Association main hall was packed for the New Addington Salvation Army’s s fourth pantomime, Cinderella, last night. This is truly a community event.

The 1,200 tickets for the four performances went in just a week from going on offer, with tonight’s final performance sold out. Many references in the panto to New Addington were in evidence, as well as a passing remark on tax credits.

Emma Spencer, the church leader, enjoys playing the villains and did not disappoint as one of the ugly sisters but even more studied in meanness was Rachel Nancekivell-Smith as Baroness Hardup.

Anna Richards was an appropriately wholesome Cinderella in contrast.

Not that the ugly sisters enjoyed their normal access to the ball, as their dresses were purloined by white van men Grime & Slime.

Also a departure from the norm was the highly entertaining DJesque two Fairy God Brothers (Dr Thomas Bakare and Chorane Martin Burke).

The big young chorus were great entertainers and the most tuneful. There was much audience participation ably led by Paul Hughes’ Buttons and songstress Nicola Hughes as Bow.

There was clever intertwining of songs from outside the Disney version of Cinderella, including a great feminised and comic adaptation for the ugly sisters of another Disney song “I just can’t wait to be King” from The Lion King.

• For those who missed out on the show there is the Community Carol Service to look forward first on Central Parade and then in the ACA at 3pm next Sunday, Dec 22

Coming to Croydon

• Surrey Street Christmas market, Dec 15 and 22
• Cinema Ruskin: Dec 21
• Steve Knightly at Stanley Halls: Feb 5

• Inside Croydon: Croydon’s only independent news source, based in the heart of the borough – 262,183 page views (Jan-Jun 2013)
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