The traditional panto is returning to Gravesham in a big way with a star-studded presentation of everyone's favourite Cinderella

It looks certain that the production really will be a ball and already hundreds of bookings are flooding in.

For the previous three years a light-hearted review had been put on at the Woodville Halls called Christmas Crackers but it was felt that it was time for a change.

This seasonal delight is guaranteed to be fun packed because it has been specially written and directed by one of Britains best known comics Cardew 'The Cad' Robinson, who will also take the role of ugly sister

His co-writer is Jan Harding who is also in the pantomime.

The youngsters are bound to recognise Cinders instantly, because the part is being played by the lovely Sarah Sutton, who stars as Nyssa in Dr Who on BBC Television

Another familiar face will be Roy North of TV's Basil Brush Show and Get It Together.

The other ugly sister will be played by Don Smoothey one of the country's leading dames, who has just finished in the West End hit 'Underneath the Arches'

Well-known personality Joan Savage will be the fairy Godmother.

"We can promise you a superb family show second to none" said the producer Mr Bob Bruce. "Cardew and Jan have a great script and the children and their parents will have loads to laugh at, cheer and boo". "Cinderella is generally regarded as the best panto of the lot and so we decided it was the perfect one for us to return with after three review shows".

"The response of tickets sales has been very good and I think we have one over other theatres because our prices are more competitive particularly for party bookers".

The show stars on Boxing Day and runs until January 21 twice daily at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

The price of tickets are Adults £3, £2.75, £2.30 Children and OAP's £2.75, £2.50 and £2.50

Ring the box office on Gravesend (0474) 534244. Party rates are very low and the box office can give details.

As Cardew said "Book now to avoid disappointment ­ we are going to give them first class entertainment".

GRAVESEND ASTUTE READERS will notice that both Gravesend and Dartford are presenting "Cinderella" this year, although the towns are only six miles apart.

Dartford, as previously reported in The Stage, has taken the clash in its stride. But for Gravesend, returning to panto after three years of "Christmas Crackers", it's a blow they could have done without. Producer Bob Bruce is still seething at what he calls Dartford's "two-fingered attitude" and explains: "It's great to have panto back at the Woodville Halls. We're doing our best business for years. If Dartford had not been doing the same panto our business would have been phenomenal."

At less than half the budget of Dart- ford's £100,000 Dickie Henderson extravaganza, Bruce could hardly match the star names. But with a script by Cardew Robinson and Jan Harding he's more than made up for that in laughs. In fact, it's probably the funniest in Kent.

Nothing has been spared either on sets, specially designed by Martin Sutherland, which happily distract from the Woodville Halls' normally depressing concrete interior .

It's a colourful tale of just the right length with some sparkling costumes, even if the last didn't arrive until a few hours before the first public performance on Boxing Day.

Roy North, former side-kick of Basil Brush, is a fresh-faced Buttons. Former "Dr Who" girl Sarah Sutton -just recovering from chicken pox is Cinderella. The programme coyly describes her as a "sweet singer" which is a polite way of saying she's not very good at songs, but the overall impression is OK.

Shelley Thompson, playing her first panto, is smashing as Prince Charming and Rose-Marie simply shines as Dandini with her fine Irish brogue. -

Cardew Robinson, looking something like the Ghost Of Christmas Past, is Carwina, one of the Ugly Sisters. His partner is Don Smoothey, a true professional, although it is strange to see him "stripping" without Cardwina.