CINDERELLA tried on her new rags yesterday - nearly nine months before her grand entrance at the Gala Theatre's Christmas pantomime.

Kirsti McDonagh, 16, and Luck Gasper, cast in the leading roles of Cinderella and Prince Charming, were yesterday transformed in their costumes in the fairytale-like setting of Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street.

The theatre said it has shunned the usual tradition of netting a big star for the leading roles so it can plough the money back into the £250,000 production. The set alone has cost £160,000 and includes a range of special effects and real ponies.

Producer David Lee, who helped Shane Ritchie and Darren Day on the road to stardom, said they were more than happy with their new stars. Kirsti, from Blyth, is a first-year student at the recently opened Sage Academy of Performing Arts, in Newcastle. In the months leading up to the opening night, will be given tuition with Andrew Rumble, musical director for West End show Copacabana.

Luck Gasper is a second-year drama student at Durham University.

The young actors will perform alongside a cast of professional actors, including Pee-Wee Price, a pantomime veteran, who will play Buttons.