ONCE upon a time there was a singer from Chorley who turned into a handsome prince...

Former Liberty X singer and heart-throb Kevin Simm is leading the cast of Blackburn’s biggest Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, which opened yesterday.

Families from across East Lancashire will be enchanted, amused and thrilled by the heart-warming story of Cinderella and her ugly sisters, running until December 31.

Blackburn panto stalwart Phil Walker — son of Catchphrase host Roy Walker — will also be appearing in his eighth consecutive show, this time as the character Buttons, the lovable servant and friend of Cinderella.

As usual, Phil will take on the comedy role, acting as the go-between of show and audience. The character of Cinderella is played by Hannah Telford.

The production, by King George’s Hall in conjunction with Blackpool’s Stageworks Worldwide Productions, promises all the traditional panto entertainment, with sing-along songs, dance routines and slapstick comedy.

So all that’s left to do is book your tickets and practice shouting: “He’s behind you!”

* See tomorrow’s Lancashire Telegraph for a full interview with star of the show Kevin Simm and Monday for a review.

l Cinderella, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, running now and until December 31.