IT’S the unmistakable face of Des O’Connor.

He was the star of Cinderella, the pantomime at the New Theatre, Oxford, in 1964.

He is pictured with some of the children from the Oxford-based Vera Legge School of Dancing, who also featured in the show.

Others in the cast included singer Yana, Danny La Rue, then described as a nightclub artist, zany comedian Jack Douglas and Erica Yorke.

Miss Yorke, wife of the theatre’s managing director, John Dorrill, made regular appearances as the principal boy in New Theatre pantomimes.

Generations of the Vera Legge dancers also took part in the shows.

Many cut their teeth in local productions before moving on to greater things in the theatrical world.

Pantomimes were a favourite at the New for many years, attracting large audiences.

Cinderella ran from Christmas until mid-February, with seven shows a week, including a Saturday matinee. Ticket prices were 11s, 10s, 9s and 8s, and 4s 6d in the balcony.

The theatre often relied on the receipts from the Christmas and New Year show to help pay the bills.

Des O’Connor, whose TV career had begun the previous year with the Des O’Connor Show, went on to become one of Britain’s best known television personalities and singers.

He appeared in the popular lunchtime ITV show, Des and Mel, with Melanie Sykes, presented the Channel 4 game show, Countdown, for more than two years, and has recorded 36 albums and had four top 10 singles.

In Cinderella and numerous shows since then, he has also shown his ability as a stage performer. Any memories of New Theatre pantomimes to share with readers?