Cinderella

An Improvised Panto by The Church Street Elders Drama Group

Step into the magical world of pantomime with The Church Street Elders Drama Group, a talented ensemble of elder performers who bring a unique and heartwarming twist to the classic tale of "Cinderella."

Date
A whimsical illustration shows three women in contrasting outfits. One in casual attire vacuums, while two wear lavish, colorful gowns with exaggerated hairstyles. One holds a phone, both in gowns appear glamorous and confident.
Cinderella

This family-friendly performance offers humour, surprises, and a celebration of community creativity. Based on a script specially written for the group by Janet Locke, an 87-year-old member, and adapted collaboratively by the company, this version of Cinderella is like no other! With three Ugly Sisters, an elderly Fairy Godmother rediscovering her memory, and a playboy vibe for the King and Prince, the show promises to delight audiences of all ages.

Event Details:

  • What: Cinderella – An Improvised Panto

  • Who: Performed by The Church Street Elders Drama Group

  • When: Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5 PM

  • Where: Community Room, Church Street Library (-2 Floor, accessible via lift and stairs)

Community Performers:

  • Claudia Mernick - Fairy Godmother

  • David Black - Baron Pinkerton

  • Deidre Joan Skinner - Narrator

  • Diana Klewin - King

  • George Lipqim - Grazibunda

  • Ghasem Sodeghi - Pavonella

  • Jane Low - Prince

  • Kassia - Puss in Boots

  • Melanie Moloney - Dandini

  • Omar El Haddaqui - King

  • Sandra Coe - Cinderella

  • Selma Pink - Queen

  • Sheila Barbalonga - Peruana

  • Susan Davies - Buttons

  • Susan O’Reilly - Cinderella

  • Rosalind - Morganzela

Since 2007, The CS Elders Drama Group has been meeting weekly at Church Street Library under the guidance of André Pink, founder of Dendê Collective, to explore theatre and storytelling. This performance marks another milestone in their journey of creativity, camaraderie, and love for the arts.

Gallery

  • A person wearing a vibrant costume sits on a chair. They are dressed in an orange top, a yellow tulle skirt, and a large yellow and orange headpiece with a flower. The room is filled with colorful items and costumes in the background.
  • Elderly woman wearing a brown tricorn hat and a red jacket decorated with ornaments. She stands in front of a blue curtain, holding a pole and smiling.
  • An elderly woman is wearing a bright yellow raincoat, a bejeweled crown, and colorful, embellished glasses. She is making a playful face with pursed lips. The background is a blurred room with people.
  • An elderly person wearing a gold crown with colorful gems smiles while another person, partially visible, applies red lipstick to their nose. The room appears to be indoors with dim lighting.
  • A group of older adults dressed in colorful costumes, including hats and a clown nose, gather in a community space. The scene is lively and cheerful, suggesting a playful or festive event. A woman in the foreground looks at the camera.
  • An older woman wearing a gold crown and colorful sweater gestures expressively. Standing beside her, a man in a red spiky wig and a patterned vest looks intently in the same direction. They are in front of a blue curtain.
  • Two people stand in front of a blue curtain. One wears a large golden crown and colorful clothing while gesturing. The other, partially visible from behind, wears a smaller crown and a yellow outfit. A yellow chair is in the background.
  • Three people in colorful, eclectic outfits perform in a room. One, with a surprised expression, stands center as another whispers dramatically. A third person, clapping, watches from the side. The backdrop features abstract art and a blue curtain.
  • Two elderly people wearing colorful costumes, including oversized bows and gold spiral ribbons as pigtails, enthusiastically sing or shout. Other participants are in the background, dressed in similar festive outfits, set against a blue backdrop.

About Drama for Elders

Drama for Elders is part of Dendê Collective’s ongoing commitment to creative engagement with older adults. Sessions are free, fun, and designed to support wellbeing, self-expression, and friendship through the arts. Whether exploring pantomime, mask work, or clowning, each term brings a new creative focus.

Meet the Team

  • A man wearing glasses and a white shirt is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a pink, rudimentary, animal-like mask on his head. In the background, another person, slightly out of focus, is dressed in a costume and a black hat.

    André Pink

    Mask Specialist and Artistic Director of Dende Collective

    André Pink is the Artistic Director of Dendê Collective. He trained with master clown teacher Philippe Gaulier and regularly teaches clowning at drama schools across the UK. With over 20 years’ experience in theatre and community arts, André’s passion is creating inclusive, playful spaces where everyone can find their creative voice.

  • A smiling older woman with short gray hair and light blue eyes. She is wearing a patterned puffer jacket and a white shirt, along with gold hoop earrings. The background is dark, drawing attention to her bright expression.

    Caroline Jones

    Designer

    Caroline Jones is a theatre designer and creative facilitator known for her vibrant, imaginative costume and set designs. She has previously worked with Dende Collective on projects like Cinderella, Masquerade, and Fruits R Us, bringing her expertise in visual storytelling to help participants create bold, joyful characters.

  • Janet Locke

    Writer

  • Bob Karper

    Stage Manager

Venue

Church Street Library

Church Street Library Community space
Church Street Library
www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/libraries/rooms-hire-libraries-and-archives-centre/church-street-library

67 Church St, London NW8 8EU, UK

Church Street Library has one large community space and two private meeting rooms for hire. There are two private meeting rooms, each with one table and three chairs. Prices: There is a large open plan space with a kitchenette. Tables, chairs, a flip chart stand, and a digital projector and screen are available for use.

Funded in part by the City of Westminster Charitable Trust and CWC Library Services