THERE was a touch of magic in the air this week as pantomime rehearsals kicked into full swing at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.Star performers Dave Benson Phillips and Anne Charleston were united with their fellow cast members as the hard work began ahead of the 41-date festive treat.

THERE was a touch of magic in the air this week as pantomime rehearsals kicked into full swing at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.

Star performers Dave Benson Phillips and Anne Charleston were united with their fellow cast members as the hard work began ahead of the 41-date festive treat.

Following on from the success of last year's pantomime Peter Pan, UK Productions will be presenting Cinderella at the theatre from Thursday evening, with Dave Benson Phillips starring as Buttons and Anne Charleston as the Fairy Godmother.

In the director's chair is Anthony Williams, who this week spoke of his delight with his assembled cast.

'UK Productions have put together a great company. We have a very good cast with a lot of very experienced professional performers, from actors through to technicians,' he said.

Rehearsals began on Monday morning, but with just 10 days to put together the family extravaganza the cast are already getting on very well.

Beth Angharad, who plays Cinderella, said: 'We've all gelled really well. When I heard Dave was performing I was so excited, and Anne as well. Dave has got to be the happiest man alive.'

Children's entertainer Dave Benson Phillips is best known for his role as the host of Get Your Own Back, but he has proved a real hit in the role of Buttons in past pantomimes.

'I always wanted to be Buttons but never thought I'd get to do it as they tend to be comedians. Now I've done it six or seven times,' he said.

Anne Charleston, who shot to fame playing Madge Bishop in Neighbours, will also be reprising one of her favourite roles as she becomes

the Fairy Godmother.

Ms Charleston admitted that she had loved pantomimes, ever since she was taken to see them when she was a child.

'People often can't get to see other shows, but book pantomimes three to four months in advance. It is great for children to get used to being in the theatre,' she said.

The two stars of the show have attended a number of special promotional events recently and are looking forward to spending their Christmas in Lowestoft, after being impressed with the local response to them.

Dave Benson Phillips said: 'Meeting people in the area has been very lovely. They are my kind of people, very friendly, but I ain't sure about that bridge!'

Cinderella will be performed from Thursday, December 10 to Sunday, January 3. For tickets call the box office on 01502 533200.