One sure-fire method of making certain that Christmas is just around the corner, is by standing outside Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre and gauging the screams of “he’s behind you!” echoing from inside.

This year the Torch’s own version of Cinderella will be providing all the festive laughs to thousands of children and parents.

More than 50 schools, some of which will be travelling from beyond Pembrokeshire, are booked to see the classic fairy tale – with the cast performing up to eight matinees every week.

The Torch box office has been increasingly busy, with more than 1,200 bookings already taken for its public performances which begin on December 20th. The matinee performance on Christmas Eve is already sold out.

Headlining as the golden-voiced Cinderella, Elin Llwyd is most recognised for her portrayal of the village gardener Katie, in Pobl y Cwm for BBC Wales. Her ever adoring best buddy, Buttons, is played by star of BBC TV series ‘Belonging’ and ‘High Hopes’, Oliver Wood.

The role of the Prince Charming is whisked up by Leighton Kyle, whose musical talents have led him to present interviews with a number of the biggest rock and pop music acts in the UK and America for ‘Culture’, an online magazine and TV station.

Making a much welcomed return to the Torch Theatre company are Angela Fitzgerald as the Prince’s sidekick, Dandini, and Delyth Eirwyn, who will be making a spectacular entrance as the Fairy Godmother.

Of course, no panto is complete without its ugly sisters – and boy, these sisters are ugly!

Shopaholics Eugiene and Hygiene are the perfect double act as Cinders’ wickedly wicked step-sisters. If you were fortunate enough to see the Torch Theatre company’s comedy ‘Neville’s Island’ recently, then you will hardly recognise Edward Harrison and Liam Tobin beneath their frilly façade of lace and petticoats!

Dave Ainsworth, who was a stand-up comedian on the London circuit, sharing bills with the likes of Paul Merton, Jack Dee and Jo Brand, plays the loveable and befuddled Baron Hardup and completes this multi-talented, all-singing, all-dancing cast.

Cinderella can be seen by the public at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, from Saturday, December 20th and runs until January 3rd.

Tickets may be reserved by calling the Torch Box Office on 01646 695267 or by visiting the website at torchtheatre.co.uk.