THE word is out that the New Wolsey is back and fighting fit and to prove it they are celebrating their latest success, "Cinderella".It is almost a year since they re-opened with the production of Sweeney Todd and since then they have been going from strength to strength.

By Victoria Knowles

THE word is out that the New Wolsey is back and fighting fit and to prove it they are celebrating their latest success, "Cinderella".

It is almost a year since they re-opened with the production of Sweeney Todd and since then they have been going from strength to strength.

"Cinderella", which ran until January 12, was a musical take on a traditional favourite with ten actors playing every part and every instrument in an extravaganza that saw Cinderella playing the sax and Buttons joining in with vocals and other instruments.

There was rock and roll in abundance with songs from the 50s to the 90s keeping the audience amused.

Almost 17,000 people turned up for the show which has just finished a near sell-out run and chief executive at the New Wolsey Sarah Holmes said people are just beginning to recognise the work they are doing.

"It is just about a year ago we opened with Sweeney Todd and we have been really pleased with how everything is going. There was always the fear of the unknown with Cinderella because it was such a different show.

"It was a really good quality production and it worked just as well for children and adults. We have a great mix of productions here and brilliant staff. There is something for everybody," she said.

This optimism is a far cry from the darker days when the theatre was forced to close with debts reaching £190,000. Those days have now been consigned to history as they get ready for yet another show.

The New Wolsey is about to stage Pal Joey which they are really excited about. This is one of their own productions in conjunction with the Nottingham Playhouse.

Pal Joey is a bittersweet tale of the rise and fall of womanising hustler Joey Evans.

The title role is being played by Des Coleman who played Lenny in East Enders.

Mrs Holmes added: "Rehearsals are just beginning on this and it looks like being a real success again.

Pal Joey will open on February 28 and plays until March 23. For full details of show times and tickets call the New Wolsey on 295900.

If you fancy seeing a show and are under 26 why not take advantage of their stand-by tickets. This is available to anyone under 26 and means you can get in any show for only £5. It is dependent on there being seats free but if you turn up on the night and find there are seats free you can have a great night out for a fraction of the price.