WANNABE Cinderellas braved the chill last night to try on the fairytale’s famous glass slipper in the hope it would lead them to Prince Charming.

Staff from Oxford’s Playhouse theatre squeezed their feet into the sparkly shoe, but it looked like it was made for just one lucky girl.

The handsome bachelor is expected to arrive in Oxford on Friday, when the curtain goes up on panto director Peter Duncan’s fifth production at the Beaumont Street theatre.

Cheers and applause for Buttons and the Fairy Godmother, as well as boos and hisses for the Ugly Sisters, will fill the theatre until January 16.

Mary Osborn, ticket office assistant, was hoping the shoe would fit, but it proved a bit too tight.

She said: “I’m still hoping to find my Prince Charming.

“He will hopefully be tall, dark and handsome and will sweep me off my feet.”

She added: “The panto is so magical, it’s all sparkly and glittery and very romantic.”

Gemma Summerfield, 29, who works as front of house manager at the theatre, said: “I have found my Prince Charming, but it’s great fun for everyone as all little girls want to be a princess and boys always want to be a prince.

“I didn’t want to be a princess when I was younger, I wanted to be a pilot, but I did want to live in a castle.

“I would rather have knee high boots than a magic slipper because I can’t walk in heels.”

Former Blue Peter presenter Mr Duncan said the show promised to be “a ball”.

His team of technical staff and costume designers have been hard at work putting the finishing touches to the set in time for Friday.

He said: “We’ve got a very talented cast, two lovely ponies and a good slap-stick and slosh scene. One of the guys is playing Lady Gaga and we’ve got songs by Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.

“It’s the love story that makes it most appealing. Everyone wants to fall in love – when you’re young it’s what you dream of. The saddest part is the unrequited love of Buttons.”

Theatre bar worker Eliza Frazer, 21, Botley Road, Oxford, said: “I don’t think I will find my Prince Charming at the Playhouse but I’m sure I’ll find him some day.”

Heidi Vaughan, 30, the theatre’s head of learning, said: “It is the best time of the year for pantomimes.

“It’s amazing, the whole community comes together, and I must say it has to be the best panto yet.”

  • For information about tickets visit oxfordplayhouse.com or call 01865 305305.