FAMILIES can sing and dance along with an interactive update of the classic Cinderella tale when it tours County Durham this month.

The new production, from the Durham County Council-run Gala Durham, Cinderella’s SnapTok, picks up 20 years after Cinderella got her ‘happy ever after’ and Prince Charming is nowhere to be seen.

Cindy’s returned to County Durham with her daughter, Stacey – who’s obsessed with a new app, SnapTok.

Consuming all her attention, Stacey’s grades are slipping and she’s discovering the difference between friends and followers.

The show, which has been produced in association with North East theatre company Blowin’ A Hooley, showcases a variety of local talent.

The organisation’s co-founders Harriet Ghost and Micky McGregor, whose TV and film acting credits include I, Daniel Blake, and Vera, have written and directed the show, in partnership with Gala Durham.

Several actors from the region will bring their characters to life.

Shining a spotlight on North East talent is at the heart of County Durham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

Securing the title would create even more opportunities for people in our region.

Audiences can join in with TikTok dance routines and lip sync along with well-loved characters from the classic tale, who will be brought into the modern world by north east actors Kieron Michael, from Birtley, and Bishop Auckland’s Hannah Marie Davis.

The fairy tale for the 21st century follows the recent success of Gala Durham’s outdoor family theatre tour of Billy Shakes: Wonderboy!

This time the show aims to bring the fun to an even wider audience, with performances taking place in venues across the county, as well as on stage in Bishop Auckland Town Hall and Gala Durham.

Ahead of half-term, the show will be performed at a number of schools in County Durham.

The Northern Echo:

It will then entertain families at Bishop Auckland Town Hall at 11am on Saturday 19 February before embarking on a tour of County Durham libraries, visiting:

• Seaham Library at 10.30am on Tuesday, February 22

• Peterlee Library at 2.30pm on Tuesday, February 22

• Chester-le-Street Library at 10.30am on Wednesday, February 23

• Stanley Library at 2.30pm on Wednesday, February 23

• Newton Aycliffe Library at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 24

The show’s run will culminate with four performances, at 11am and 2pm on Friday, 25 and Saturday, February 26 at Gala Durham.

Robin Byers, service manager for Gala Durham, said: “Bringing our latest family production to towns and villages across County Durham, so that families from all areas can enjoy the magic of theatre, is hugely exciting.

"Touring in schools and libraries makes our shows more accessible to local audiences and means that more children can join in the fun.

“We’re thrilled to be working in collaboration with Blowin’ A Hooley and proud to be championing north east talent, particularly showcasing the skills of local performers such as Hannah and Kieron.

“Developing creative opportunities, nurturing Durham artists and helping people of all ages, from all backgrounds to enjoy theatre and the arts are incredibly important to us. These are also key themes within County Durham's bid to be UK City of Culture 2025.”

Further information about Cinderella’s SnapTok is available on Gala Durham’s website, galadurham.co.uk

Earlier this month, Durham County Council and principal partner Durham University submitted the county’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 on behalf of Culture Durham, a partnership of cultural organisations from across the county.

To find out more about the Durham 2025 campaign, visit durham2025.co.uk or follow @Durham2025 of Facebook, @Durham_2025 on Twitter and @Durham2025_ on Instagram.

 

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