Oh yes it is – nearly pantomime season

It is, of course, Cinderella and thankfully we all know that her lot in life is about to improve.

This time the future princess’ story is being portrayed as Milton Keynes Theatre’s seasonal pantomime.

Deniece Pearson, who first rose to fame as an 80s pop icon, will step into the role of the Fairy Godmother.

Deniece is a Grammy nominee and lead singer with the pop super-group, Five Star, who had an unprecedented chart run of over 20 top 30 UK singles and were the youngest group ever to win a Brit Award, youngest black British group to have a number one album and the first group to achieve seven consecutive hit singles from one album in the UK.

This success was mirrored not only in Europe but also in the US pop, r&b and dance charts. Deniece also writes and produces for other artists.

She could recently be seen in a show-stopping run in the hit West End in new musical Thriller Live and the stage show Respect La Diva and she has just released her stunning debut solo single, the self-penned ballad Here I Am.

In March she appeared on BBC talent show, The Voice UK, as a contestant joining Tom Jones’ team.

Anna Williamson, of Daybreak and Nickelodeon, will play Cinderella while comedy star, Kev Orkian, will be Buttons.

John Barr and Paul Burnham will take the roles of the Ugly Sisters.

Cinderella is showing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Friday, December 7 to Saturday, January 6. Performances are in the afternoon and evening but exact times vary. For the full list of timings call the theatre or visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella/milton-keynes-theatre

Tickets cost from £12 to £27 plus a booking fee. They are available online or from the box office on 08448 717652.