Preview: Cinderella, Theatre Royal Winchester

Preview: Cinderella, Theatre Royal Winchester

Just one week to go until the opening night of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella, which arrives at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 30 November and runs until Monday 1 January 2024.

Cinderella tells the story of a servant girl whose Fairy Godmother transforms her into a beautiful princess to go to the ball to meet the handsome Prince.

But, when the clock strikes 12 she must flee, leaving the Prince to search his kingdom for her – with only the help of her glass slipper!

Cinderella is suitable for families and is filled with corny jokes, original songs, live music and plenty of audience participation.

The pantomime’s cast are now in rehearsals, busy learning lines, songs and dance routines; and two of the cast – Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, who this year play Fairy Kind-heart and Buttons – attended Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On last week to warm up the crowd before the High Street was bathed in glittering lights.

The theatre’s stage has once again been painted especially for the show and the pantomime’s set is being constructed, while finishing touches are being made to the costumes.

The theatre’s front of house team has also decorated a number of Christmas trees to make sure the foyer areas look extra festive for the season ahead.

The pantomime is produced by Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, and comes from the same creative team behind last year’s record-breaking Wizard of Oz, the enchanting Beauty and the Beast and the heart-warming Dick Whittington – the award-nominated pairing of writer, director and lyricist James Barry, with music by Simon Slater.

Accessible performances are available, as well as the option of livestreaming the pantomime at home – more information is available via the Cinderella show pages on the theatre’s website.

For best prices and ticket availability, audiences are encouraged to look at performances early in the run.

This year’s pantomime is supported by Play to the Crowd’s Corporate Partner, regional law firm, Paris Smith.

Cinderella will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 30 November to Monday 01 January 2024 at various times. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.

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