THIS year’s New Theatre, Cardiff pantomime features a galaxy of stars in the wonderful tale of Cinderella from Saturday, December 13 until Sunday, January 18 2015.

Sparkling glass slippers, a pair of Ugly Sisters, a handsome Prince and the most popular rags-to-riches story of all time can mean only one thing, the magical pantomime Cinderella.

The New Theatre’s production of Cinderella will be packed with comedy, stunning scenery, fabulous costumes and lots of pantomime magic as Cinderella swaps her rags for a ball gown.

Any Dream Will Do winner and Casualty star Lee Mead will lead the cast in the role of Prince Charming. Joining Lee is Linda Lusardi as The Fairy Godmother, Sam Kane and Mike Doyle as The Ugly Sisters, comedian Andy Jones plays Buttons and Wales' very own sporting hero, Gareth Thomas takes on the role of Dandini.

Lee shot to fame when he won BBC's Any Dream Will Do, Andrew Lloyd Webber's search to find the lead in his production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Lee subsequently enjoyed a successful run in the hit musical at London’s Adelphi Theatre which was acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Since then he has established himself as one of the leading names in musical theatre, having played Fiyero in Wicked and Emmett in Legally Blonde and was a founder member of The West End Men concert show which has played the UK and overseas.

Linda’s many stage roles include Funny Peculiar, Bedside Manner, Not Now Darling, Pygmalion and Rock with Laughter. As well as many summer seasons and performing in every major pantomime around the country, Linda has appeared on countless television programmes including Celebrity Masterchef, Celebrity Come Dine With Me, Dancing On Ice, Loose Women, The Bill, Brookside and in Emmerdale where she played the role of Carrie Nichols.

Comedian and funny man Andy Jones will play the pantomime’s unsung hero Buttons. Andy’s talent and natural comedic timing have seen him become a firm favourite with pantomime audiences over the years. Cinderella marks his seventh New Theatre pantomime appearance.

Sam has appeared in numerous stage shows including Popstar, the West End production of The Rat Pack, Hot Flush!, Simply Ballroom, Carousel, Boogie Nights and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to name but a few. On television he is best known for starring in Brookside, and has also appeared in Hollyoaks, The Royal, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Gareth, known as ‘Alfie’ owing to his resemblance to a cartoon character called Alf, was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and is one of the most iconic and respected figures in the world sport, being voted BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. Off the field he has also enjoyed appearances on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother where he finished third, and was a semi-finalist in ITV1’s Dancing On Ice in 2013.

Cinderella will be staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer, and the company behind the New Theatre’s record-breaking production last year.

Tickets start from as little as £10.50 with offers available for families and other groups.

To book call the box office on 02920 878889 or online at www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk.