Linda Lusardi to star in Cinderella at Venue Cymru

Nov 18 2010

BEING lassoed over the head by an overly exuberant Sir Norman Wisdom is just one of the many fond memories Linda Lusardi has of performing in pantomimes.

The former page three model has acted in Christmas shows for the past 20 years, and can’t wait to spend the festive season in Llandudno, where she will star as the Fairy Godmother in Venue Cymru’s Cinderella.

The show will be a family affair as her husband Same Kane will direct and star as the dashing Prince, their daughter Lucy will play the Fairy Godmother’s assistant, and their son Jack will be in the dance troupe.

Joining them on stage will be John Evans, who returns to Llandudno for his fourth year in a row, as the loveable Buttons.

Linda said: "I love doing panto as you’re guaranteed a full house and it’s a great event for children. I think it’s so important for them to see live theatre."

Linda promises Cinderella will be a glamorous affair. She joked: "I’ve played the evil Queen before in Snow White so I’ve got to keep remembering to use my Fairy Godmother voice instead.

"Cinderella will look spectacular. The coach and horses which takes Cinders to the ball is very realistic. We even had some animal rights people complaining in the past. This is even though the horse flies into the audience, so I can’t understand how they could have thought it was real!"

As for the memorable Sir Norman Wisdom mishap?

Linda laughs uproariously, and explains: "We were doing Cinderella together in the 1980s, and Sir Norman, who was playing Buttons, was pretending to fish. He lassoed me every night but one night the lasso went around my neck and I was starting to choke.

"I couldn’t get it off, so Norman had to stop his number and rush off to get a pair of scissors.

"I was still very fond of him though!"

Cinderella will be at Venue Cymru in Llandudno from December 11 until January 2, 2011. Prices from £13 to £18.50. Call the box office 01492 872000.