Review: Cinderella - Norwich Theatre (10.12.2025)

Audience and cast alike had a ball as Cinderella was brought to life by an incredible array of set pieces, brilliantly colourful costumes, a superb cast, and a huge dollop of mad-cap comedy.

Though largely faithful to the much-loved story, this version was set in a Norfolk coastal town, which not only gave rise to some wondrous seaside and fairground themed sets created by Lowestoft-based Scenic Projects, the whole production was injected with a delightful end-of-pier humour.

Leading the line was the charming Georgia May Foote, who looked every inch the fairytale princess in her stunning ball gown. Her love interest, the Prince, was played by Danny Hatchard who demonstrated some impressive vocals along the way, only surpassed slightly by his right-hand man, Dandini, played by the charismatic Jeevan Braich.

Bringing the comedy in buckets and spades was ugly sister duo Owen Evans and Kenny Moore, whose performances were only matched in size by their costumes.

Hannah-Jane Fox as the Fairy Godmother brought a touch of class with her huge vocals, but also showed her comedy chops with a range of voices and disguises in an all round glittering performance.

Crowd favourite, and scriptwriter, Joe Tracini dazzled us with possibly his best turn yet as Buttons. He brought all his usual endearing energy and humour, squeezing every last drop of comedy from each scene, and even had an impressive song and dance number to wow the audience.

The whole production was slick, beautifully choreographed, and dripping in pure joy. Chief Executive Stephen Crocker mentioned in his programme notes after a poll last year that 85% of people came away from the panto feeling happier - after this particularly fine, rousing, and hilarious production, I'm willing to bet that percentage is even higher.

Cinderella continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 4 Jan.