Sutton Scotney's Cinderella raises money for charity (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Sutton Scotney's Cinderella raises money for charity

11:50am Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Winchester

THE pantomime may have finished with everyone living happily ever after, but the Fairy Godmother is still working her magic in Sutton Scotney.

Proceeds of some £2,200 from Cinderella have been split between two charities, the Victoria Hall Fund and the Gratton Trust.

“We wanted to support this charity which is responsible for the Gratton Recreation Ground in Sutton Scotney,” said assistant director, Eryl Holt. “They pay for the upkeep of the playground, the football pitches, the tennis court and the pavilion and are hoping to provide even more facilities for youngsters in the village.”

George Gray, chairman of the Village Hall Committee, received the donation of £1,100 from fairy godmother, Pauline Brown.

Mr gray said: “We are absolutely delighted with this generous donation. It is more than welcome at this time when we have to find a five-figure sum to purchase the land used for Victoria Hall car park.”

Cinderella followed the success of last year’s Aladdin, the first village panto for 40 years. Such was the demand for tickets that in addition to the scheduled four performances there was an audience for the dress rehearsal.

With the same directors, Alistair Black and Lisa Faye, the sparkling show involved over 60 cast and crew whose ages ranged from 10 to 70.

Costumes, sets, props and even the chandeliers on stage and in the Hall were all specially made for the production.

“Both shows have been real community events,” said Malcolm Brown, who played Eugenie one of the Ugly Sisters. “They bring people together who may have lived in the village for many years and never really got to know each other and it’s such great fun.”

With the £2,800 profit in 2010 the group have so far raised nearly £5,000 for charities.