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After a year-long closure for refurbishment, Exeter's Northcott Theatre is back - with a new look and a new name.

The curtain went up in time for the 2007 Christmas panto, Cinderella, which runs from 12 December 2007 to 19 January 2008.

The 40-year-old venue - now called the Exeter Northcott - has been closed throughout 2007 for a £2.1 million revamp.

The Ugly Sisters, aka Noel White and Steve Bennett

The new-look theatre has a new entrance, new seats - including an extra row - a wheelchair accessible lift to all areas, an extended mezzanine floor, and a new bar and food servery.

The first show in the revamped venue is the Christmas panto, Cinderella - and ticket sales are far exceeding sales in previous years.

Steve Bennett returns as panto dame, as one half of the ugly sisters.

The other ugly sister is played by Northcott panto regular Noel White - and the sisters are called Trinny and Susannah.

Steve and Noel are joined on stage by Lucy Johnson as Cinderella, Lucy Barker as Prince Charming, Stephanie Charles as Dandini, Gordon Cooper as Buttons, Richard Ashley as Baron Hardup, Jane Bellamy as fairy Godmother and an all-singing, all-dancing chorus of local youngsters.

Exeter Northcott spokesman Andy Sinclair said: "In order to get your choice of seats, I really would recommend booking as soon as possible."

Cinderella
Exeter Northcott
12 December 2007 - 19 January 2008
Box Office: 01392 493 493.