WATCH: San Sereno residents put on Cinderella pantomime

A cast of enthusiastic actors, all over the age of 75, performed in an entertaining and comical pantomime of Cinderella on 17 and 18 August at the San Sereno Retirement Village in Bryanston.

All the actors are residents of the home, some of them taking to the stage for the first time. After the success of last year’s first annual pantomime, Aladdin, play writer and director Diane Charles (86) decided to give it another go.

“I was very depressed in the Nightingale ward and feeling very lonely and one of the nurses suggested I write a play. I had to recruit people and finding a cast wasn’t easy… This year is a slightly different cast, but I am amazed at what these old people can do. The rehearsals have got people out of their rooms and performing on stage. I am so proud of what we have done and it helps us to forget our troubles and enjoy life,” said Charles.

Cinderella was performed by Marina Herbst, who was a contestant in Miss Universe in Miami in 1961. “I love the role of Cinderella and it has been well scripted and directed,” said Herbst.

The biggest twist to the fairy tale was James Bond 003 and a half, who was called to assist Prince Harry in protecting the crown jewels and helping him find Cinderella. Bond was played by former St Stithians headmaster Mark Henning. “M says I’m not half the man I used to be,” said Henning, explaining why he is only 003 and a half. He said that Charles created the role for him after a funeral parlour commented that he resembled James Bond in a photo he used at his wife’s funeral. He said the play gives the elderly a sense of belonging.

Audience member Glen Hean said he came to support his friend Bernard Davies-Jones, who played Cinderella’s father, Baron Hardup. “It was a superb show. The people of San Sereno really live life to the full. I believe my friend Bernard was born for the role of Baron Hardup.”

Bronwen Cuthbert came to support her father, Thom Davies, who played the role of the terrible twin sister, Daisy. “It is always interesting seeing your parents in a play after they have supported you so much in your youth. They have done a lot of work to get where they are. My dad was quite taken that he was cast as a girl. It is quite daunting to be on stage, but he has really enjoyed it.”

Allen Roberts, who had never been on stage before playing terrible twin Maisy in Cinderella said, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still bring joy to someone if you are willing to put the effort in.”

Donations collected after the show will be given to the Guide Dogs Association. They hope to raise in excess of R5 000 for the cause.