BECAUSE no-one can resist a good rags to riches story, the Wyvern will revive Cinderella, the ultimate victory-over-adversity tale, complete with singing mice this Christmas.

Cinderella dreams of escaping the life she has fallen into. With the arrival of an invitation to Prince Charming’s Grand Ball, it seems she may get her wish. However the Ugly Sisters are determined to keep her as their servant. But with a generous helping of panto magic perhaps her dreams will come true after all.

Former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas will make his pantomime debut in the role of Prince Charming.

Salford-born Ryan burst onto our television screens in 2000 in the role of Jason Grimshaw in the iconic ITV soap - a role he went on to play for more than 16 years.

Swindon's favourite Dame and all-around prankster David Ashley will make an anticipated return as one of the Ugly Sisters, 30 years exactly since he appeared in his very first panto, Jack and The Beanstalk, at the Wyvern.

Expect surprises, mayhem, belly roars, and if Cinders has her way, a well-deserved happy ever after.

Cinderella runs at the Wyvern from December 10 to January 8. To book tickets visit swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524 481.

Or would you fancy this?

IF Cinderella doesn’t float your boat, perhaps Jack and the Beanstalk will? Rising Aspirations Academy of Performing Arts is taking on the timeless tale – with a panto twist of course - of Jack Trott, the boy who manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans. Join Jack on his quest to defeat the evil giant, win his fortune and the hand of the King’s beautiful daughter. The production promises breath-taking adventures, oddball comedy and plenty of giggles.
Jack and the Beanstalk starts at 7.30pm at the Arts Centre tomorrow. Tickets are £7. To book go to swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.

And if you just can't wait...

THERE are just two sleeps to go until the premiere of the Wyvern’s pantomime. But if you can’t possibly bear to wait that long, the theatre team has lined-up a pre-panto of sorts to whet your appetite with the Dick Whittington dinner experience at The Place tomorrow. In the Christmas favourite, Dick travels to Old London Town ready to make his fortune. There he meets Tommy the cat and together they are hired by Alderman Fitzwarren to protect his shop from the swarm of rats threatening to overrun the town. But King Rat is determined to foil his plans and destroy his chance at happiness. Prepare for laughs, twists and turns in this cheeky retelling of Dick’s adventures. The dinner experience starts at 7.30pm tomorrow. Tickets are £38 including a three-course meal. To book go to swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.