Behind the scenes at the Empire Theatre’s production of Cinderella

With less than two weeks to opening night, take a peek behind the scenes at the Empire Theatre’s production of Cinderella and meet the talent bringing the Rodgers and Hammerstein creation to life.

The countdown is on as a homegrown cast steps into the roles of The Empire Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

On Monday the theatre’s backstage was filled with set pieces as the cast had their first rehearsal with the live orchestra.

Based on the 1957 musical written for television starring Julie Andrews, this version of Cinderella continues to capture hearts and minds with its iconic tunes after being adapted for Broadway in 2013.

“This version of Cinderella is beautiful, it’s a hilariously groovy take on the fairytale and it’s witty, very witty,” Helen Walsh, who plays the fairy godmother, said.

Ms Walsh brings her 35 years of experience working as an actress in Australia, England and all over the world back to Toowoomba - where she started out studying at the University of Southern Queensland.

Helen Walsh will play the fairy godmother in The Empire Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Tony-award winning show Cinderella. Picture: (supplied)

She has lived in England for the past 18 years working as a professional actress and has been pleasantly surprised with rolling opportunities to be on stage in a number of Australian productions while getting to spend some more time with her aging mother in Queensland.

Another cast member is soon-to-retire police officer Russell Reynolds, who plays the role of Sebastian, “the keeper of keys”, a role not in the traditional fairy tale, he said.

Russell Reynolds will play Sebastian in The Empire Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Tony-award winning musical Cinderella. Picture: (supplied)

Mr Reynolds tries to get onto the Empire Theatre stage at least twice a year and is looking forward to meddling more in comedy once he has retired.

He said he tends to move towards the “less sinister” roles but he’s excited to explore playing a “baddie” and hopes the show brings a sense of joy to the audience.

“I think we’ve come out of an era in Australia which has been fairly bland and joyless for the last few years,” he said.

“So Cinderella has come to town at just the right time to bring people out and to bring a little bit of joy into their life.”

See the full cast here:

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens at The Empire Theatre on Friday, March 15.