THE first night of the classic fairytale of Cinderella was watched by a full house at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre

Last night was a sell-out opening night and the gala performance takes place tonight.

Zany comedian Bernie Clifton, who takes the part of Buttons in this year's colourful pantomime, along with Oswald the ostrich as his partner, reckons the show is a sure-fire hit.

"The Wyvern has a good vibe,'' said Bernie. "It is a great auditorium for comedy and I know the people involved. They are a nice crew and great fun.''

Cinderella is produced by Charles Vance who is no stranger to Swindon as he has been producing the town's pantos in grand style since 1996.

Meanwhile, co-stars in this year's panto are the trio from the popular children's TV show Rainbow, Rod, Jane and Freddy.

Bernie said: "I worked with Rod, Jane and Freddy on Rainbow and of course it's Charles again so we know the score. We know what we have to do. I am looking forward to it."

Jane Tucker is Prince Charming and Rod Burton and Freddy Marks are the Ugly Sisters who have to cope with six costume changes.

Jane said: "We have done Aladdin five times and it is nice to be someone glamor-ous."

It was only three years ago when the trio became the hit of the Swindon pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk with Dr Who star Colin Baker.

Grange Hill's Emma Willis plays Cinderella and although she admitted that she had never heard of Bernie before, they are now good pals.

"I used to watch Rainbow and it seems strange to be working with Rod, Jane and Freddy,'' said the actress, who played the part of sixth former Vikki Meades on the long-running teen drama.

Emma says she is enjoying wearing the Italian designer dress lent to the theatre by Bridal Boutique and as this is her debut panto-mime is concentrating on getting into her part.

"I feel Cinderella knows her own worth yet is vulnerable and sweet,'' she said.

Swindon's own Pollyann Tanner is Dandini, which, co-incidently is the first professional adult part she was given when she was 16-years-old.

"I played opposite Harry H Corbett from Steptoe and Son. He was Buttons,'' said Pollyann,

She says that she hasn't played a boy for a long time but is sure it will all come flooding back.

"And I know Cinderella like the back of my hand,'' she added.

Pupils from her mother Mollie Tanner's Tanwood School of Dance are also in the show along with Pollyann's daughter Francesca who has returned for the holidays from Redroof Theatre School.

Paul Mead is both director and Baron Hardup in this rags to riches story and Janine Pardo is the fairy godmother.

Janine is also a pupil at Redroofs where Paul teaches.

Paul said: "Panto is a musical where you try to make them believe in the story and the magic.

"Interest the kids from an early age and they will come back to theatre.''

Tickets for Cinderella, which runs until January 12, 2002, are £12.50 and £13.50. Tel Swindon 524481 for tickets.