Prepare your pumpkins – Cinderella is heading to the ball!

For the first time ever, Orange Theatre Co is bringing their hilarious rendition of Cinderella to Orange’s Civic Theatre stage. Packed with slapstick comedy, wordplay and magic the performance will be available to watch between November 25 and November 27.

Ugly Stepsisters, Tim Hewett and Eden Plaisted, sat down with Orange City Life to talk about their love of the Orange Theatre scene and their upcoming show. 

“It truly becomes a second family, “ Eden said. “When I moved to Orange with my brother three years ago to set up our sculpture business, 908 Art and Design, I felt an urge to get back up on the stage and strut my stuff again.

“It just so happened that Lumiere came up in 2020, one of my dream roles, and now another bucket list goal – Gertrude, the prettiest of the ugly stepsisters,” he laughed.

Tim’s first production with Orange Theatre Co. was HMS Pinafore back in 1999.

“We partied like it was 1999, “Tim said. “I somehow got cast as a lead in Oklahoma in 2000, playing a very handsome Will Parker. Since then, Sound of Music, Oliver and Jesus Christ Superstar, with gaps in between,” he continued.

Orange Theatre Co, Cinderella performance follows the original story, with its very own personality added. The Prince must marry – or his stipend will be cut off. Faced with this unfortunate turn of events, he reluctantly decides to hold a ball in order to find a bride. Cinderella desperately wants to attend in the hope she will catch the Prince’s eye and escape the clutches of her ugly, cruel and social climbing step-sisters and step-mother. But she is thwarted at every turn… That is, until her fairy-godmother puts in an appearance, works her magic and ensures a happy ending for (almost) everyone.

“The beauty about the long-standing traditions of British pantomimes is that anything goes, so expect the unexpected,” Eden said.

“I mean it’s not every day you get to don a wig, bustle and heels as a man and sing your heart out. And Tim is a commanding six-foot-four man so, as a lady, he towers over the other characters. Very funny to see!”

Fresh talent will be hitting the stage too.

“We have so many young newbies in the cast of the show and they are loving the experience,” Eden said.

“Also this year we have been lucky enough to have the very talented Derek Metzger join the company. He recently moved to Orange after retiring from professional theatre and we could not be happier to share the stage with this legend. He truly is a walking masterclass in performance,” he added.

When asked if the pair felt prepared after the long hours of rehearsal, several times a week Eden said, “Prepared, yes. Excitement and nervousness kick in soon, especially when we hit the theatre.”

In true theatrical style, Tim adds, “Prepared? This is theatre, darling!”

Guaranteed to make you laugh, the two Ugly Stepsisters say it’s a performance not to be missed.

“It’s genuinely funny. And I don’t pee in people’s pockets. It really is,” Tim said.

For those interested in getting involved with the Orange Theatre Co. you can find out more at www.orangetheatreco.com.au
Or just come up to us after the show and we’ll be happy to chat,” Eden said. “Just mention that I was the prettiest of the stepsisters!”

Finally, the two extend their gratitude to the wonderful and talented director of the company, Wendy Campbell, and the whole team of Orange Theatre Company.

 “What they provide for this community is priceless, and it’s all volunteered, and I have been lucky enough to have been involved,” Eden concluded.

See the Orange Theatre Co’s Cinderella at the Orange Civic Theater from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27. Tickets at Ticketek or call 6393 8111