While I love North Norfolk’s unique theatres, there’s something particularly magical about going to the pantomime in the city – the big-name talent, the grand venue, the live orchestra… Though the irony is that this year’s Cinderella at the Norwich Theatre Royal actually takes us to the coast, to a seaside resort called Crabbington Sands. Indeed, as director Andrew Lynford’s production opens, the scenery is a little reminiscent of Cromer – there’s a pier, beach huts and a pub called The Saucy Seagull (though I’m not sure I’ve ever seen singing-dancing lifeguards on our stretch of shoreline before).

It’s during the energetic opening number that we meet Cinders (a perfectly pitched performance by Georgia May Foote, Coronation Street, Strictly Come Dancing) and learn how she’s toiling away at the run-down Hardup Hotel for her Wicked Sisters – Lavinia aka ‘Lav’ and Louisa aka ‘Lou’ – following the death of her parents. There is nothing quite like a pantomime dame and the siblings are played outrageously brilliantly by Kenny Moore and Owen Evans respectively. There’s a Fairy Godmother (Hannah-Jane Fox), whose attempts to speak in rhyme don’t go according to plan; Prince Charming (Danny Hatchard), who is more concerned with launching his singing career than settling down; and his faithful sidekick Dandini (Jeevan Braich, who can certainly belt out a tune). Plus Cinderella’s bestie, the lovable Buttons, the talented Joe Tracini IRL, who also wrote this year’s panto.

As the classic rags-to-riches folk tale unfurls (a pumpkin, a carriage, the ball, midnight, a missing shoe, the royal wedding), expect two hours of non-stop fun. Aimee Leigh’s dance routines are dynamic and the ensemble delivers them brilliantly; and you’ll likely recognise all the songs, albeit with lyrics rearranged by musical director Lee Freeman. Such as when the Prince is trying to find the owner of the sparkling slipper with everyone singing The Shoe Must Go On (Queen). Another highlight for me is a bell-ringing Traitors-esque scene with four monks to Anita Ward’s Ring My Bell. 

This being pantomime, there’s plenty of audience participation (no getting up on stage, so you can relax). Lots of “behind you” and “oh yes it is/oh no it isn’t” and, at one point, Buttons and the Fairy Godmother have us all singing and doing the actions to There’s a worm at the bottom of my garden and his name is Wiggly Woo, which, if I’m honest, feels a little random, but the kids in the audience love it. And that’s the point of panto – something for everyone.

However my absolute favourites are Lou and Lav (get it?), whose comic timing is delightful, chiming “Aren’t we gorgeous?” every time they enter the stage. And their costumes… Kirsteen Wythe has excelled herself. In the final scene, which takes place at a vintage funfair, the Wicked Sisters’ helter skelter/carousel/big top-themed outfits are genius. And I love the nods to the city, especially when one of them holds up her enormous yellow and green underwear, declaring: “It’s my Norwich City bra – loads of support but no cups.”

Bravo to all the creative team (not just costume but hair and makeup, stage design, lighting and sound). I can totally believe that they start planning the next panto even before this year’s one has begun – the level of detail is striking. The going-to-the-ball scene, when Cinderella’s voluminous dress shimmers with what seems like a thousand diamonds and she rides in a glittery carriage pulled by twinkling feather-plumed carousel horses. Well, it’s the stuff of fairytales. 

Cinderella is at the Norwich Theatre Royal until 4 January 2026. Tickets cost from £10. 

www.norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/cinderella

Photography © @richardjarmy