AS the curtain fell today (Sunday, 9 January) on what could be the last pantomime at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre, a key member of the staff has praised every member of the cast and the supporting teams for a memorable season.

Cinderella has proved a big hit with borough residents on a run that started in early December and everyone at the theatre has had to cope with the pressures of covid restrictions and the impact of the illness that the bug has wrought on cast, crew and theatre staff.

Nevertheless the team behind the panto have battled on, delighting audiences throughout the festive period.

The theatre's front of house manager Ann Mcewen summed up the feeling of all at the Thameside, which is under threat of closure by Thurrock Council, saying: "The cast and crew are beyond amazing in the way they have just dealt with everything that has been thrown at them

"They have all embraced the challenge and ensured that our audiences are not disappointed by delivering a first class show full of laughter, joy and excitement

"The commitment from the theatre staff has yet again been over and beyond what anyone could have expected, covering shifts at a moment's notice and our Young Producers have worked their socks off to ensure that the show must go on.

"Team Thameside you ROCK!!!"