Jancis Robinson, Michael Broadbent and Hugh Johnson to feature as charity pantomime Vinderella hits the London stage
January 15, 2010 by John Abbott
Theatregoers are being promised a 'witty, outrageous and colourful show' as members of the wine trade meet on stage next week in a specially written pantomime to raise money for charity.
The cast of Vinderella has been assembled from figures across the drinks industry, and is set to include Anna Noble of Phipps PR as Vinderella, Venla Freeman from the Wine Institute of California as Bouchon, and wine writer Charles Metcalfe as Botrytis Moisi.
Vinderella tells the story of 'a young woman struggling to keep her wine estate afloat, whilst getting her Prince, in challenging economic times.'
The audience has been told to expect walk on parts from different guest stars each evening including Jancis Robinson MW, Simon Berry, and veteran Decanter columnists Hugh Johnson and Michael Broadbent, as well as Decanter publishing director, Sarah Kemp.
The project hopes to raise £20,000 for the charity The Benevolent, which provides support to over 500 former members of the drinks industry.
The pantomime will feature songs and music by Tom Lidbetter and Alex Hunt, as well as a script written by director Daniel Illsley.
The Benevolent chairman Simon Berry told decanter.com that he was 'delighted to have provided the initial impetus to the project.'
'I have always felt that the drinks industry contains enough extroverts, eccentrics and show-offs to stage an annual show, and Daniel's efforts over the past few months have uncovered a great deal of talent to boot.
'I know that Vinderella will be a great evening, and give the trade a Christmas treat of a kind we can't appreciate in the December rush.'
The show is running between 20 - 23 January 2010, and will take place at the 300 seat John McIntosh Theatre at the London Oratory School, Seagrave Road SW6.
Tickets range from £10 - £35 and are available via the Benevolent - +44 (0)207 089 3888, or online at thebenevolent.org.uk.
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