After the runaway success of Snow White Winter Family Musical and Aladdin and His Wondrous Lamp, Bonnie Lythgoe Productions (the producers of Australia’s biggest family musical pantomimes) bring Cinderella to the stage.

A fine cast headed by Gina Liano (The Real Housewives Of Melbourne) as the wicked stepmother, Jimmy Rees (Giggle and Hoot) as Dandini and Jaime Hadwen (Xanadu) as Cinderella should ensure this is another great treat for the whole family.

After auditioning, Liano was offered the roles of the fairy godmother and the wicked stepmother, but decided on the latter as this character wasn’t required to sing.

“The wicked stepmother is a great role, sazzy and funny. There have been different adaptations to this role in films and past stage productions and I have put my own spin to the character,” explained Liano. “She is very manipulative and controlling and her only redeeming quality is that she has raised two daughters and is very protective of them. Because this is my first stage show it took me a while to figure out how best to represent the character.”

Liano who is also a barrister, author and television personality, says she is not apprehensive about appearing on stage for the first time.

“Being a barrister is like being on stage so this won’t be a problem. What might be slightly daunting is the booing and hissing my character receives when I come on stage. This is a pantomime and audience participation is expected.”

“This is a humorously scripted pantomime performed by a wonderful and talented cast. Aimed at family audiences, this is also suitable for anybody who loves wit and comedic theatre.”

With season four of The Real Housewives of Melbourne on the horizon and a new fragrance to promote, can fans also expect to see Liano on I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here?

“Definitely not. I was approached for this. Horses for courses, but it’s not something I would do,” concluded Liano. (MMo)

Jul 1–17. State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney. $50-$90. Tickets & info: ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 139 588

Posted June 30, 2016 by Mark Morellini & filed under Arts & Entertainment, Theatre & Performance.