An all star-cast was in attendance at Cardiff's New Theatre on Tuesday to announce the launch of the magical pantomime Cinderella as this year's Christmas production.

Any Dream Will Do winner and Casualty star Lee Mead who will lead the cast in the role of Prince Charming was joined by Linda Lusardi as The Fairy Godmother, comedian Andy Jones is Buttons, Wales' very own sporting hero, Gareth Thomas is Dandini and Cardiff born actress Holly Bluitt who will make her professional debut as Cinderella. The cast were joined by director Sam Kane who will also play an ugly sister in the production alongside comedian Mike Doyle.

The show is set to feature plenty of glitz and glamour along with stunning costumes, fabulous sets, fantastic musical numbers and an abundance of comedy. "I think nowadays people expect a production to be amazing, special effects and stuff," says Cinderella director and star Sam Kane, " What we have here is an old style panto bill where theres a lot of people who can do the job on stage, whether they be celebrities from television, stage or sport. Everybody's got an amazing ability or personality and i think that is the star of the show, the bill and the line-up.its going to be magic!"

Among the cast is Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas who is thrilled to be taking part. "For me its all about challenges, " Gareth told me, " When I left rugby it was scary but now I embrace the fear. The fear is a challenge and I love challenges if you'd asked me ten years ago would i do pantomime, I'd say "never in a million years" and now i'd say "you know what? The fact that im doing it now means I'm overcoming challenges constantly, who says that every ex rugby player has to be a commentator or a coach? - why can't they do other things?""

Casualty star and recording artist Lee Mead is equally enthusiastic about Cinderella, "it's a brilliant line-up and to have Gareth involved as well - HE IS WALES! I think it'll be a lot of fun and I'll get to sing a few songs. Its a beautiful theatre as well and Cinderella's a great story - a classic!"

Cinderella takes place at Cardiff New Theatre from December 13 2014 until January 18 2015. You can book by calling 029 2087 8889 or by visiting online newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Read The Guide between now and Christmas for full interviews with Lee Mead, Linda Lusardi, Andy Jones, Sam Kane, Gareth Jones and Holly Bluitt.