Here’s a first look at the latest cast member of Harpenden pantomime Cinderella – adorable Shetland pony Snoopy.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Harpenden pantomime this year is CinderellaHarpenden pantomime this year is Cinderella (Image: Archant)

There will be no horsing around at Harpenden’s panto this year.

This year’s Christmas show at Harpenden Public Halls will star Snoopy, a beautiful white Shetland pony, who is joining the cast to pull Cinderella’s coach to the ball.

Snoopy is well used to panto stardom, having appeared at several major venues around the UK.

His trainer and owner Ian Lucken has been supplying pantomime ponies to theatres for 50 years.

Ian and his wife Linda have more than 100 Shetland ponies at their stables.

They said: “This year we are sending Shetland ponies all around the country to places such as Belfast, Newcastle and Bristol.

“Snoopy is one of our most experienced performers and thoroughly enjoys his time on stage.”

Cinderella producer Chris Law added: “We have a fantastic cast and our Shetland pony is going to capture the hearts of everyone who comes to see the show.

“You can’t really put on Cinderella without having a real Shetland pony on the stage. It’s part of the magic.”

Packed with bundles of audience participation, great singing and dancing, a fantastic live band, and the corniest of jokes, this year’s Harpenden panto is not to be missed.

It stars Hi-5’s Luke Roberts as Buttons, Jess Robinson from Newzoids as the Fairy Godmother and Steve Leeds (Go!Go!Go!) as The Prince.

The X Factor singer Honey Fine will take on the title role of Cinderella, with BBC 3 Counties Radio’s Ernie Almond one of the Ugly Sisters.

Cinderella runs from Saturday, December 10 to Thursday, December 22, with 18 performances.

Tickets cost £14, concessions £12 and lap seats £5.

• For more information, and to book tickets, visit www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk or phone the box office on 01582767525.