What would Christmas be on the Semiahmoo Peninsula without a White Rock Players Club pantomime?

Luckily there've been only a handful of years without the annual hodgepodge of old gags, songs, knockabout silliness and colourful costumes, centred on a familiar fairy or folk tale, since the tradition was launched 70 years ago with Babes In The Woods.

Historically, it's only taken events as momentous as constructing a new theatre – or an international pandemic – to dim the lights, temporarily, on the community favourite.

This year's family-friendly extravaganza is Cinderella (Dec. 4 to 29, Oceana PARC Playhouse, 1532 Johnston Rd.), loosely based on a script by Charlotte Johnson (author of many of the earlier pantos, and wife of early Players Club director/theatre guru – and frequent panto Dame – Franklin Johnson).

The update of the original 1960 show is in the reliable directorial hands of Don Briard, a veteran of many productions for theatre groups around the Lower Mainland and beyond.

While Cinderella is his first pantomime, he's bringing his skill as an experienced director of musical theatre to the show.

Some new behind-the-scenes contributors are also adding extra pizzazz to this year's production, including artist and illustrator Carla Maskall (noted for her mural on the Sunflower Café in Crescent Beach), whose designs will add a distinctive flourish to Robin Maggs' basic set design.

In this artistic design role Maskall is following in the highly valued footsteps of famed White Rock artist Elizabeth Hollick – to whom this year's show is dedicated.

Tireless encouragement of cast and chorus from choreographer Nicole Laurent – fresh from her engagement as assistant choreographer for Guys & Dolls for the Arts Club Theatre Co. – has reportedly been inspiring the hometown players to new heights.

Returning as music director for his fourth pantomime is Marquis Byrd, who holds degrees specializing in music education and jazz studies, and, this past summer served as Music Directing Fellow for Theatre Under The Stars’ production of School of Rock.

Fresh faces – and a few welcome familiar ones – also highlight this version of Cinderella. 

In the latter category are star comedian Bryce Paul Mills, returning to make the most of the Dame role: Clarice Cuttlefish, owner of a fish and chip emporium.

Starring in the title role of Cinderella is Jordin Yewchuck. She and her widowed father, the Baron (Scott Kristjanson) are looking for a special someone to complete their family, but they get more than they bargained for when the Baron falls for Clarice.

Suddenly they find themselves in a blended family in which Cinderella must contend with Clarice's two daughters (Lauren Fisher and Sabine Lapointe) – as well as the ongoing war between the Good Fairy (Charlize Matheson) and the Demon (Matt Briard).

Helping Cinderella cope are her mother's favourite childhood toys (Amanda Wong, Julia Ralph, Ellie Pitsos and Victoria Mills) – but on the horizon (of course) is the handsome Prince (Bianca Salazar), his parents the King (Harry Dolittle) and the Queen (Wendy Stuart), his loyal companion Marcus (Bruce Cameron), not to mention a fateful ball and a wayward slipper.

Always ready with a comment on the action are the villagers (including Laurel Winkler and Lexus Keffer).

Add in songs and dances, some ribald comedy and a reprise of the legendary panto number The Wonderful Year We Fell In Love, and Cinderella promises to be a lot of fun for the whole family.

The show previews on Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Regular performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7, Dec. 11 to 14, Dec.  12 to 14, Dec. 18 to 21, and Dec. 26 to 28, with 2:30 matinees on Dec. 8, 15, 21, 22, 26 and 29.

For more information, visit or call the box office at 604-536-7535.