Cinderella – Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot

Writer: Nick Lane

Director: Nicole Behan

You know the countdown to Christmas has officially begun when pantomime season begins. And over at the wonderful Shakespeare North Playhouse and its in-the-round theatre, the clock is well and truly ticking with its latest twist on the classic tale of Cinderella. 

Set in the kingdom of Prescotisa, this tale, written by Nick Lane (who has now penned three of Prescot’s festive shows) sees Cinderella (Tia Larsen) thrust into a life of cleaning and chores when her mother (Emma Bispham), an explorer, goes missing and her father (Elliott Kingsley), a fluff salesman, ends up in prison. Living with her ugly stepsisters and stepmother (Emma Bispham), it seems like there is no hope for Cinders, until that is, she gains her very own (and quite frankly iconic) fairy godmother Mandy (Emma-Grace Arends). 

Really, Cinderella should have been an unachievable choice for this particular venue. Renowned for its big sets, huge ensembles and of course, a live transformation, it was hard to see how the Playhouse could make it work. But with the creativity of Designer Chloe Wyn, Sound Designer Ernest Acquah and Lighting Designer Ian Scott and the clever choice to have the small cast across multiple roles, the team really do make it work, albeit with some limitations. 

Some of the song choices are questionable and could do with bringing more up-to-date and the first half does far exceed the second, with more audience interaction and conventional pantomime gags and sketches needed to really keep the momentum of the show going. While there were some ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh yes there is’ moments, it could have done with an audience singsong, a ghost scene or similar and a Buttons role to really give the ultimate panto experience. That said, the Prescot Pibble (you have to be there to understand) is a fun crowd-pleaser.

But the story of the actress playing Cinderella is a really heartwarming one, with Larsen going from an usher at the theatre to the leading lady of the big Christmas show – and it is wonderful to see the theatre really appreciating and nurturing the local talent. Larsen does a wonderful job in the role and at just 24, she is still able to hold the audience in the palm of her hands. It’ll be wonderful to see where further training and experience takes her.

And it really is worth going to see the show for the performance of Arends alone. While all the actors do a great job, she is an absolute stand-out – her comedic timing, her singing, her delivery and her rapport with the others on the stage being nothing short of first class. 

The whole cast work the round stage really well and never do you feel like you’re missing a moment, which isn’t an easy ask. The transformation scene is a real highlight of the show, with the creative team coming up with the goods to make this work in the venue they have – we won’t give any spoilers! 

While it’s not the belle of the ball in the pantomime scene, it’s an enjoyable, uplifting and family friendly trip out worth dusting off your glass slippers to support.

Runs until 10 Jan 2026.