downsmail.co.uk


Panto proves a smash hit with rave reviews


THOUSANDS of panto fans have been flocking to the county town’s favourite theatre to watch Cin- derella. Crowds have been in fits of laugh-


ter as the cast served up a feast of saucy one-liners, sing-along tunes, slapstick comedy andtraditional au- dience participation. Afewdays into the run, the show


was already being haileda huge suc- cess for the Hazlitt Theatre, the cast and directorMartin Cleverley. This year’s panto stars Rustie Lee


(Fairy Godmother), a TV national treasure after four decades cooking on our screens, and Stefan Booth (Prince Charming), star of EastEn- ders andDancing on Ice. They sharedthe spotlightwith the


hilarious Ugly Sisters – played by Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- zone – and the golden-voiced Eliza- beth Bright in the title role. Mr Cleverley – who is also the


2727 legacy ad sept 2017_Layout 1 12/09/2017 13:17 Page 1


generalmanager of theHazlitt – told Downs Mail: “It has been going re- ally, really well – we couldn’t be more pleased. “The reaction from the audience on the first nightwas just incredible


News


Rotarians help collect£51,000


MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Maidstone turned this year’s Poppy Day appeal from a poten- tial disappointment in to a great success with a total of more than £51,000 raised. Royal British Legion at Ayles-


fordwaswithout a local organiser after the co-ordinator of 10 years resigned. Rotarians stepped inwith just a


few weeks left and distributed the poppy boxes and collection tins to about 300 outlets. The Rotarians activity ensured


£51,000 in donations were safely gathered in from various collec- tors, outlets and collection points. Jane Ayers, the Legion’s Com-


Cinderella is wowing crowds inMaidstone


and the cast and crew were given such a lift from the warmth and re- sponse from the moment they stepped out on stage. “Like all good pantos, our Cin-


derella had a bit of everything for everyone.” Hazlitt


spokesman Michelle


Woodland said: “Achap came up to me on the opening night and said that he hadn’t been to a panto since he was seven and absolutely fell in


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lovewith thewhole thing after being back to theHazlitt. The reaction has been prettymuch 100%positive.” The Hazlitt Theatre relies on the


annual panto to financially support the day to day running of the venue and to be able showcase emerging talents in show business across the rest of the year. Cinderella on at the Hazlitt The-


atre until December 31, with two shows per daymost days.


munity Fundraiser forWest Kent, said: “It would not have been possiblewithout Rotary’s co-ordi- nation and each one of the round deliverers who gave up a good chunk of their time. They are truly community spirited and generous people and together we will make a difference to the armed forces community.” Next year, an organiser is still


needed for Coxheath&Loose and Sandling & Penenden Heath, areas that come with experienced and committed volunteers. If you can help out, call Jane on


07551138413.


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