Director: Millie Talbot
Cast list: Cinderella: Leah Erskine, The Prince: Olivia Hardcastle, The Fairy Godmother: Anastassia Muir, Buttons: Georgia Welburn, The Stepmother: Stav Giouzelis, Amnesia: Heidi Haywood, Dyslexia: Emma Zazaropolous, Dandini: Sienna Kerger,
Ensemble: Madalyn Davies, Mackenzie Girvan, Eryka Grey, Matilda Norton-Smith, Lily Roatz, Grace Scherer, Chloe Wren
If you're in search of some holiday entertainment for your little ones, look no further than Spotlight Theatre's holiday pantomime! The GCTAI asked director Millie Talbot a few questions about her production.
Q: Tell us about yourself & your team
A: Millie Talbot - Director
Millie has directed, written, performed in, and costumed various Pantomimes in the past. Most recently, Millie mentored, and costume designed the Hansel & Gretel Pantomime season in 2021. Millie directed, wrote and costume designed Pinocchio: The Pantomime in January 2020. In 2018, she co-directed, stage managed, and costume designed Spark and the Crystal Crusade in its seasons at Tambourine Mountain Little Theatre and then in January 2018 at Spotlight Theatre. She appeared in Planet of the Nebulons: A Stellar Pantomime as ‘Starla’ at Spotlight Theatre, and also filled the role of Assistant Director. Before that, she appeared in Snow White: The Pantomime as ‘Crabby’ (2018); Rapunzel: The Pantomime as ‘Rapunzel’ (2017); Robin Hood: The Pantomime as ‘Robin Hood’ (2016); A Lad ‘n’ His Lamp (2016); Cinderella: The Pantomime as ‘Benedict’ (2015); and in Peter Pan: The Pantomime, as ‘John Darling’ (2014). Cinderella will be Millie’s 11th Pantomime, she is ready to bring Pantomimes back to the Spotlight stage.
Nathan French - Writer
Nathan has been a part of the Gold Coast community theatre scene for nearly 15 years having started drama classes at Spotlight Theatre from a young age. Since then he has performed in and directed numerous productions across Queensland. Over the past couple of years, Nathan has written numerous Pantomimes including Jack and the Beanstalk, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, these works have appeared in different theatres and schools.
Lucy Martin – Choreographer
Lucy has worked as choreographer on many school musicals including ‘Oliver’ and ‘Joseph & The Technicolour Dreamcoat’. Lucy has also been able to work on-set, choreographing music videos for local music artists. Alongside Lucy’s career as a Dance and Performing Arts Teacher, Lucy has appeared in many shows on the Gold Coast including ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Grease’ here at Spotlight. She also works as one of the industry professionals working within our Youth Theatre Program. With most of Lucy’s recent choreography work being within the dance world, she is really looking forward to jumping on our creative team. Cinderella will be Lucy’s first time choreographing a basement show here at Spotlight Theatre.
Taylor Holmes – Vocal Director
Taylor Holmes is a passionate Musical Director, Vocal Coach, Acting Teacher, Director and Performer. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Music from UQ, and a Certificate of Musical Theatre from the Griffith Conservatorium of Music, Taylor's training and experience means she is a highly skilled and sought-after educator and creative, with distinguished skills in Acting and Voice work, including accent training. As a Musical Director, Taylor has worked in numerous theatres across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Some notable productions include: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (BTG 2023), "Next to Normal" (Javeenbah Theatre 2022), "Assassin's" (Javeenbah Theatre 2020), "The Addams Family"(GCLT 2019), "Heathers" (ADMT 2019), and "Avenue Q" (Brisbane Arts Theatre 2018).
Hayley Cox – Stage Manager & Production Assistant
Hayley’s love of the arts started when she was young, learning to play instruments and performing in choirs for many years. It wasn’t until she was in high school where she was introduced to theatre and all the roles backstage. After joining Spotlight in 2019 she quickly found a passion for the behind the scenes. Hayley has Stage Managed multiple shows at Spotlight Theatre including Puffs (2022), Little Shop of Horrors (2022) and Grease (2022). When she is not Stage Managing, Hayley can be found working in the Crew Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (2021) and We Will Rock You (2022) or operating Follow Spots for shows including The Bodyguard (2020), Beautiful the Carole King Musical (2021) and Singing in the Rain (2021). Hayley is very keen to bring Cinderella and Pantomimes back to the Spotlight stage.
Q: What is your show about?
A: The production is an adaptation of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella in the Pantomime style. It includes unforgettable characters: Cinderella, the Prince, the Fairy Godmother, the Evil Stepmother, and the Stepsisters as well as some Pantomime staples like Buttons and Dandini. An ensemble brings it all together for this magical musical, complete with dynamite dancing, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of adventure!
Q: Why did you choose to do this production, what drew you to it:
A: Cinderella was one of the first pantomimes that I did in 2013, along with Nathan French, the writer of this adaptation. I think it’s a classic story that will draw audiences of all ages as everyone is familiar with it. Bringing Cinderella back to the Spotlight Basement stage feels like a full circle moment for us as we have both grown in our experiences with performing, writing, and directing, and we are excited to bring fresh ideas to the classic fairytale.
Q: Any funny rehearsal stories yet?
A: There are always funny moments when the cast are trying on costumes and wigs for the first time. As well as helping them picture how their version of the character will look, once you give someone a cape, they tend to have a bit of fun. Who doesn’t love capes?
Q: What can audiences expect when they see the show?
A: Cinderella is full of nostalgia with some contemporary elements. In classic Pantomime style, we mix a well-known story with modern elements, as well as the timeless moments that are expected like the magical dress transformation! The show will feature well known songs that everyone can clap along too, and audience participation will be needed too, the Fairy Godmother will need the audiences help with a few secret spells! The show runs for around 2 hours with an intermission.
Q: What is the Season Run, start times and any matinees. And include any ticketing links.
A: 28th June – 8th July Shows at 10:30am & 2pm. Tickets are $16
Book online at spotlighttheatre.com.au or call the box office on (07) 5539 4700
Q: If you are looking for front of house volunteers how can they come and help?
A: Spotlight Theatre are always looking for volunteers to help out wherever they can! You can email in at mailbox@spotlighttheatre.com.au about upcoming productions.