ABOUT THE PLAY- Slipper: A Distinctly Calgarian Cinderella Story
CONTENTS
PLAY SYNOPSIS ...........................................................................................................................................................3
SETTING ........................................................................................................................................................................4
CHARACTERS ..............................................................................................................................................................4
A GUIDE TO PANTOMIME ....................................................................................................................................5
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ABOUT THE PLAY- Slipper: A Distinctly Calgarian Cinderella Story
PLAY SYNOPSIS
Thanks to a fairy-tale time machine, Edward travels from the olden days to modern Calgary, where he
meets Cinderella. She’s a young go-getter, he has become the handsome Eddie Prince, and - wait a
minute - his uncle is the Fairy Godmother! Will Cinderella or her selfish sisters win the Stampede
talent show? Will Cinderella’s crazy stepmom even let her perform?
This light-hearted, music-filled update to Cinderella brings the story into our time with fun, heart, and
a joke or two about life in Calgary.
A note from our Artistic Director about the play:
“For the holiday season, ATP offers high-quality family friendly entertainment that takes you on a new
adventure every year. Inspired by the family tradition of pantomime, we’ve asked Rebecca Northan and some
of Canada’s top talent to create a brand new theatrical experience. You’ll get to boo the villain, cheer on the
heroes, laugh along to spoofs of current pop tunes and join in the fun. I can’t wait to see what they cook up!”
-Vanessa Porteous, Artistic Director
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ABOUT THE PLAY- Slipper: A Distinctly Calgarian Cinderella Story
SETTING
The play is sent in Calgary. At the beginning of the story we are in the year1913 and through the
power of the “story-o-scope” we are transported to Olymic Plaza in the modern day. The play takes
us to various locations around the city including, the Stephen Avenue Mall, Stampede Park and
Olympic Plaza.
CHARACTERS
CINDY, also known as Cinderella- hardworking, young girl. Works to financially support her
stepmother and stepsisters since her father passed. Enjoys singing and playing guitar, and is very
talented in both. Progressive in her ideals and actions towards herself and others. Roughly fits into the
pantomime role of Principal Girl.
EDWARD PRINCE- Newly 17 year-old who takes an adventure with his UNCLE GEORGE in a
Story-O-Scope, flashing him into modern-day Calgary as the prince of his own Cinderella Story.
Roughly fits into the pantomime role of Principal Boy.
JUDITH- Cindy’s Stepmother. Widowed by the passing of CINDERELLA’s father. Biological mother
of TUSCANY and SOMERSET. Spoils her daughters and forces CINDERELLA to cook, clean, and
work to support the three of them. Roughly fits into the pantomime role of Villain
TUSCANY and SOMERSET- Cindy’s Stepsisters. Very in tune with pop culture and often
reference trends. Picks fights with everyone they pass, including each other.
UNCLE GEORGE- Edward’s Uncle. Inventor of the Story-O-Scope and guardian of Edward since
his parents passed one year ago. Flashed into modern-day Calgary as the fairy god mother. Main
source of communication with the audience. Roughly fits into the pantomime role of Comic Lead or
Good Fairy.
CHORUS- Various minor characters including a DELIVERY GUY, LANDLORD, and FOREMAN
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ABOUT THE PLAY- Slipper: A Distinctly Calgarian Cinderella Story
A GUIDE TO THE STYLE OF PANTOMIME THEATRE
Pantomime (informally panto) is a type of musical comedy stage production, designed for family
entertainment. It was developed in England and is still performed there, generally during the
Christmas and New Year season and in other English-speaking countries. Modern pantomime includes
songs, slapstick comedy and dancing, employs gender-crossing actors, and combines topical humour
with a story loosely based on a well-known fairy tale, fable or folk tale. It is a participatory form of
theatre, in which the audience is expected to sing along with certain parts of the music and shout out
phrases to the performers.
Pantomime has a long theatrical history in Western culture dating back to classical theatre, and it
developed partly from the 16th century commedia dell'arte tradition of Italy, as well as other
European and British stage traditions, such as 17th-century masques and music hall.
Outside Britain the word "pantomime" is usually used to mean miming, rather than the theatrical form
discussed here.
PERFORMANCE COVENTIONS

The leading male juvenile character
(the principal boy) is traditionally
played by a young woman

An older woman (often the hero's
mother) is usually played by a man in
drag.


Risqué innuendo out of perfectly
innocent phrases.
Audience participation, including calls
of "He's behind you!" or "Look behind
A spectacular modern pantomime version of Cinderella. Illustration by John Worsley
you!", and "Oh, yes it is!" and "Oh, no it isn't!" The audience is always encouraged to boo the
villain.

Music can be original but is more likely to popular songs with re-written lyrics. Some people from
the audience (often the kids) can be invited to join the cast onstage and sing with them.
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ABOUT THE PLAY- Slipper: A Distinctly Calgarian Cinderella Story

The good fairy enters from stage right (from the audience's point of view this is on the left) and
the villain enters from stage left (right from the point of view of the audience).

A clowning comedy routine is often performed (a decorating or baking scene that ends up being
really messy.)
PANTOMINE ROLES

Principal Boy: The main character/hero. Often is a young woman
dressed as a man.

Panto Dame: She is usually the hero’s mother. Often is played by
a middle aged man dressed in drag.

Principal Girl: The hero’s love interest, play by a young woman.

Comic Lead or Good Fairy: This character does physical comedy
and related a lot on the kids in the audience. Will often repeat a
phrase several times and the audience will usually call out the opposite response. This character
can be played by man or woman.

Villain: The antagonist to the hero is there to destroy the hero’s life and dreams. The villain can
be a witch, wizard, demon etc. This character can be played by a man of woman.
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