IN 1997 a young Claire Howard stepped on to the stage of the Cotswold Playhouse in the title role of Cinderella. Over 15 years later, the local actress is set to direct the Cotswold Players’ production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

“I love the story as it's a true fairy tale, what every girl dreams of: meeting her prince charming, true love and being whisked away to a new life!” said Claire.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s partnership is one of the most renowned in musical theatre. Together they are responsible for creating the musicals Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Oklahoma and The Sound of Music.

This musical version of the fairytale was originally written for television, as a vehicle for Julie Andrews. Since then many famous actresses have stepped into the glass slippers to play the title role, including Lesley Ann Warren, Brandy Norwood, Carly Rae Jepsen and now Stroud’s own theatre will see 17 year-old Rhiannon Adams filling this much-adored role.

“The production will be filled with magic and enchantment – as every fairy tale should be,” said Claire. “And who knows, this may be the beginning of her own fairytale for a brand-new budding young actress.”

Tickets, priced at £13 (under 16’s £7) are available online at www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk/tickets or by calling 0333 666 3366.

The Cotswold Players present:Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA 21st to 24th and 28th to 31st January 2015 at 7.30pm (Saturday matinées on Jan 24th and 31st at 2.30pm)