MORE than 350 children are to appear in a panto spectacular aiming to raise £7,000 for good causes, including Oxford’s Children’s Hospital.

Young members of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School are rehearsing for a modern version of Cinderella for the hospital, part of the John Radcliffe complex.

The stage school, which rehearses at the Cherwell School, North Oxford, on Friday evenings, puts on the gala performance every two years to celebrate the talents of its pupils.

The fairytale adaptation has been written by Headington director David Wilson, who made sure there was a role for each of the 353 young stars.

Unlike any Cinderella performance you have ever seen, Sunday’s show at the New Theatre in George Street, Oxford, includes ugly cousins, Evil Aunt Joan, and a Darth Vader fanatic.

Some of the proceeds will also go to InterAct, a charity run by the theatre school for disadvantaged and special needs children.

Stagecoach principal Maya Sprigg said: “Logistically, it has been an education putting it together. It’s basically a mix of panto, Glee and High School Musical all mashed together.

“There are huge amounts of singing, dancing, and lots of colour and life.

“We have some very talented older students and they are taking on the principal roles.

“For the younger children, aged six plus, the chances of them being on a stage as big as the New Theatre are few and far between, so for them too it’s a really big deal.

“Everyone builds up confidence from being on stage in front of a big audience.”

Seven-year-old Jamie Bannister Parker, from Summertown, said: “I’m a tiny bit nervous and excited because I’m not on stage for a long time.”

The Lynams Junior School pupil said: “I know what I’m going to do, but I’m nervous about being on stage in front of 1,000 people.”

Former students of the theatre school in Oxford include Harry Potter star Emma Watson, while the current crop of future stars include Shakur Gabbidon-Williams, 13, who has appeared in the West End run of the Lion King, and Ilana Kneafsey, 10, who toured with a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

  • For information about tickets for the show, call 0844 847 1585 or see newtheatreoxford.org.uk