THE Anvil is gearing up for glass slippers, pumpkins and ponies as Cinderella opens in Basingstoke next week.

This year’s Christmas panto came close to disaster as Cinderella herself – played by CiTV Toonattik presenter Anna Williamson – fractured her ankle while ice skating.

But in the spirit of true showmanship, Williamson is getting stuck into rehearsals to be ready in time for the opening show on Thursday, December 10.

Excited about the production, Williamson, who has starred in a number of pantomimes, said: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“The majority of the time I’ve played principal boy and I’m used to slapping my thigh a lot, so to play the principal girl is a real treat – and to wear a dress, I’m so excited! To play Cinderella is a dream.”

Williamson has worked with fellow Toonattik presenter Jamie Rickers for five years, and Rickers will be joining her on stage as Buttons, while the singer Sonia is playing the Fairy Godmother.

Speaking about her relationship with Rickers, she said: “We have a healthy rivalry and friendship onscreen so it’s perfect to mirror that on stage.

“When the roles came up, we thought it was ideal for us – a perfect way to carry on our onscreen relationship of boys versus girls which we will be incorporating into Cinderella.

“It’s an opportunity for the audience to choose and support their team, boys or girls – although at this point I should say in brackets that girls are better than boys! It’s good wholesome family fun.”

The energetic entertainer added: “Panto is often the first taste of theatre that children get, and living in a world where children, fortunately, watch TV it’s nice to offer what you do on television on stage in the most well-loved fairytale.”

Families will also be treated to seeing two real ponies on stage, which Williamson said are adorable.

The show – sponsored by Gazette Newspapers – is running from December 10 until January 3, and tickets can be booked from the box office, on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk.