THE Theatre, Chipping Norton, is marking its 40th year of pantomime with a production of Cinderella.

Ugly sisters, handsome princes and glass slippers all feature in the traditional panto tale of love, laughter and wishes made true.

The timeless story of rags to romance is transported to the sunlit canals and carnivals of Venice. This new version of Cinderella is written by Ben Crocker and directed by John Terry with music by Paul Kissaun and runs at the theatre from November 20 to January 6.

The cast includes Lizzie Franks as Cinderella, Matt Pinches as Buttons, Amy Rhiannon Worth as Prince Charming, Richard Croughan as Tutti, Shaun Hennessy as Frutti, Lauren Silver as Dandini and Karen Davies as the Fairy Godmother and Baroness.

This will be the fourth pantomime by Ben Crocker for the Cotswold venue.

John Terry has been the artistic director since 2008.

Choreographer Tim Claydon has worked at Garsington, Houston Grand Opera, Opera North and WNO, and Cinderella will be his sixth panto at Chipping Norton. A former member of the Flying Pickets, Paul Kissaun has composed for the Watermill and Theatre Royal Margate.