Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society has started working on this year's panto, Cinderella.

Written by Andy Bradshaw, the production promises to put a smile on everyone's face this festive season.

Auditions were held over the weekend, and now the cast list has been revealed. PODS will soon begin rehearsals.

"It was hugely disappointing when our last production had to be cancelled because of lockdown," Andy told Nub News.

"The cast were ready; the set was built and then suddenly we were in limbo-land.

"But all this time has meant I could tweak the script for Cinderella, and now hopefully this will push PODS back onto the front page!"

The cast and crew are preparing to perform in December at the Paget Rooms. Though it's a story everyone knows well, Andy hinted at how PODS would make Cinderella their own.

"We put out a list of characters with a brief description, just so people can get a teaser of what to expect," he said.

"Everyone knows the story, but some of the characters are slightly different. When we met for auditions, we had a real mix of PODS stalwarts and people from other companies, because that's the way amateur theatre works.

"It's all about building people's confidence and having a nice time so everyone enjoys themselves.

"Auditioning can horribly nerve-wracking, but it's important that they feel good about themselves, that they've achieved something. All of them were absolutely tremendous!"

Andy promised plenty of exciting songs; from Lady Gaga, Queen, Michael Bublé (it will be Christmas after all) and the star-studded 2020 film 'The Prom'.

"We've got such a strong and lively cast, I really want the production to go up like a rocket," said Andy.

"It's got to be punchy, and you've also got to have that variety with ballads and upbeat songs to fit the story."

But Andy also said the pressure is on to set the tone for the PODS productions following this winter's pantomime.

"It needs to be good, so that people remember to come back for our next productions. We want people to say 'wow, that was brilliant, what are they doing next?'," he said.

"There will be a play in the spring and then after that will be The Full Monty, which we had planned to do last year.

"We're hoping that sells out, as it will be great fun."

Tickets for Cinderella will soon be available to purchase here