AN East Renfrewshire schoolboy will take centre stage in front of thousands of theatregoers this Christmas after landing a plum role in a panto production.

Eight-year-old Sam Felderhof is thrilled to be handed the chance of playing Buttons in Eastwood Park Theatre’s all-singing, all-dancing version of Cinderella.

At the tender age of six, Sam secured a place at renowned Glasgow-based musical theatre school GAMTA, which has been home to many Scottish stage stars in the making.

Most recently, he appeared in Bugsy Malone at the city’s Brickhouse Theatre, playing one of Fat Sam’s gang.

 

Barrhead News: Sam FelderhofSam Felderhof

 

Now he is looking forward to performing panto alongside the rest of the GAMTA cast, including leading lady Ava Anderson, who will star as Cinderella, and ‘Ugly Sisters’ Chiara Flynn and Rebecca McComb.

Sam, who is a pupil at Giffnock Primary, said told the Barrhead News: “The casting took place last week and I was so excited to be told I was going to play Cinderella’s best pal Buttons.

“I can’t wait to get all the kids in the audience joining Buttons’ gang.

“It’s such a fun part to play in what’s set to be a huge GAMTA panto production. All the other cast members have great experience performing for big audiences and singing with live bands, so I’m sure I’ll learn a lot along the way.

“I’m thrilled to be performing at Eastwood Park Theatre – it’s my local theatre and I’ve always wanted to be on stage there, so to land a lead role there so early on has been a dream come true for me.”

Ava, 18, is also eager to get on stage in her role as the legendary ‘Cinders.’

She said: “I auditioned on Wednesday, was told I was successful on Saturday and then, on Sunday, I went along to Eastwood Park Theatre in a Cinderella ballgown for a ‘Selfies with Cinders’ event and had my picture taken with lots of little princesses.

“I love singing, acting, dancing and audience interaction, so I can’t wait to get the panto rehearsals underway. It’s going to be a brilliant show.”

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure added: “This year’s panto will be extra special as we bring the truly magical story of Cinderella to life.

“We’re excited to welcome the Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre Arts to our stage.

“GAMTA  has a long history of producing successful pantomimes, so we know our audiences are in for a treat.”

Cinderella will be staged at Eastwood Park Theatre from Wednesday, December 11, until Monday, December 30.

Standard tickets cost £15, with children and other concessions admitted for £12. There is also a £45 family panto pass available.

There will be one free ticket for those who bring a group of 10 people.

To book, visit www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk/boxoffice or call 0141 577 4956.