Waterside Theatre pays tribute to Cilla Black

The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury has paid tribute to the star of its first pantomime, Cilla Black, who passed away on Saturday.
Cilla Black stars as the Fairy Godmother at the Waterside Theatre's first pantomime - Cinderella - in October 2010Cilla Black stars as the Fairy Godmother at the Waterside Theatre's first pantomime - Cinderella - in October 2010
Cilla Black stars as the Fairy Godmother at the Waterside Theatre's first pantomime - Cinderella - in October 2010

The TV personality, 72, took the lead role as The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in 2010, the same year as the theatre opened.

A tweet from the theatre yesterday said: “Truly saddened to hear the news on Cilla Black.

“Honoured to have welcomed her at our opening and as the star of our first panto in 2010.”

Area theatre manager Elizabeth Adlington said: “Cilla Black was a true star, and we feel extremely privileged that she officially opened the Waterside Theatre in October 2010.

“She returned in December 2010 to lead our Pantomime cast in “Cinderella” as the Fairy Godmother, and her popularity was evident as she wowed our audiences with her performance night after night.

“This is a great loss to the industry, but we feel proud and honoured that she performed in our theatre.

“She brought “Cilla magic” to all who crossed her path or were fortunate enough to see her perform.

“As the theatre approaches its 5th birthday, staff and our customers will fondly reflect on the memories made during our opening season with one of the nation’s most-loved entertainers.”

The Liverpudlian had a host of top ten singles during the 1960s before moving into the world of television where she became the long-running host of shows Surprise Surprise and Blind Date.

She lived in Denham in Buckinghamshire and also had a holiday home in Marbella in Spain, where she passed away.

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