Bradford actress Sophie McShera (pictured) is spending her Christmas playing the title role in a glittering production of Cinderella.

Sophie, 24, who went to Footsteps Theatre School in Eccleshill, is starring in the panto at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The show is directed by Gail McIntyre and written by Mike Kenny, who have built a solid reputation for imaginatively-staged family productions offering a new perspective on familiar tales.

In the show, which is aimed at youngsters aged four and above, Cinders has been sent to sleep in the kitchen by her mean stepsisters Thisun and Thatun. Her new pals down there – a bunch of friendly rats called Ears, Teeth, Claws, Tail and Whiskers – set about trying to get her to the ball, but Thisun and Thatun have a different plan in mind.

- The show runs until January 23. For tickets ring (0113) 2137700.