With seaside silliness, sparkling costumes, and jokes that had us laughing out loud, Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal proves that panto fun is alive and well in Norfolk. From a beach ball skirt to bell-ringing mayhem, this is a show that keeps things fresh while staying true to the story we all know and love.
So what makes this version stand out in a carriage-full of Christmas pantos? With clever writing, standout performances and a few unexpected touches, Cinderella has more than a little magic up its sleeve. Find out what made us laugh, what surprised us, and why we think this one is well worth seeing this season.
Note: We were invited to the press night to see the show so that we could share our experience with our readers. All photos (except the featured image) were provided by Norwich Theatre and taken by Richard Jarmy Photography and Laura @dinky_in_norfolk.
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Synopsis of Cinderella
Set in the seaside town of Crabbington Sands, the 2025 version of Cinderella stays true to the classic story while adding a few fresh twists of its own. Cinderella lives with her two outrageous stepsisters, who are determined to keep her from attending the Prince’s royal ball. Thankfully, her Fairy Godmother has other plans and helps her get to the ball in style, just in time to leave behind a very important glass slipper.
Alongside the familiar fairytale, there’s a sweet new layer with Buttons, Cinderella’s loyal best friend, who’s quietly in love with her. With plenty of charm, comedy and uplifting messages, this production brings the magic to life with a Norfolk charm.
Review of Cinderella
Cinderella might be one of the most well-known fairytales, but this panto version at Norwich Theatre Royal still feels fresh, funny and full of surprises. The story moves along faster than a carriage before midnight, with no dull moments. After all, the shoe must go on.
Much of that is down to the brilliant script by Joe Tracini, who manages to pack in laugh-out-loud jokes, local references, and just the right amount of heart. He also wrote Sleeping Beauty in 2023, but this year’s Cinderella feels even more polished. From silly slapstick to clever wordplay, the writing hits all the right notes without ever feeling forced.
Joe also stars as Buttons, a role he clearly loves. This is his sixth time in a panto on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage and his second time playing Buttons, having first stepped into the part in 2019. Buttons might not get his fairytale ending this time, but Joe Tracini’s performance is full of heart and humour. He has a natural flair for comedic timing which was on display throughout the performance. He brings so much energy and warmth to the role, and always had the audience right there with him. When he popped out before the second act to take a selfie with the crowd, everyone was thrilled.
Visually, the show is full of imagination. The costumes are incredibly creative and colourful. We especially loved the beach ball skirt, which got a well-deserved laugh. The bold, playful designs work brilliantly with the bright sets to create a joyful atmosphere.
One of the standout scenes is when Cinderella’s transformation from maid to princess takes place. The staging is sumptuous, with rich lighting and effects that give it a real sense of magic. Her ballgown looks like it’s been lifted straight from the Disney cartoon, complete with sparkling details that drew awes of admiration from the audience.
The music throughout is upbeat and easy to enjoy, with familiar tunes that keep the pace lively and fun. The choreography throughout the show was sharp and full of energy, with the ensemble cast giving strong performances in every number.
Danny Hatchard, best known from EastEnders, stars as the Prince and impressed us with his singing voice. His performance of The Way You Look Tonight was smooth and heartfelt, but he also brought plenty of humour to the role.
Kenny Moore and Owen Evans were hilarious as the stepsisters. Their on-stage chemistry was brilliant, and it was clear they were having a blast. Owen returns after last year’s Aladdin panto, and Kenny, a seasoned drag performer, fit right in. Their over the top costumes matched their personalities perfectly. They may have been trying to ruin Cinderella’s night, but they definitely stole a few scenes of their own.
Georgia May Foote, known from Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing, made a genuinely warm and kind Cinderella. She’s no damsel in distress and absolutely deserving of her happily ever after.
Jeevan Braich stood out as Dandini, the Prince’s right-hand man. It’s hard to believe this was his first panto and that he’s only 19. He’s a talented singer and dancer with fantastic stage presence. Having already won Best Performer in an Off-West End show for Starlight Express, he’s clearly on his way to big things.
Hannah-Jane Fox, who originated the role of Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, brought great comic timing to the Fairy Godmother. Her struggle to rhyme her spells properly turned into a running gag that always landed. Like a perfectly fitted glass slipper, the casting here feels just right.
The Junior Ensemble brought plenty of humour and big smiles to the stage. They played the mice in Cinderella’s household and, while they didn’t have speaking roles, they threw themselves into the dancing and made the most of every moment they had on stage.
There’s also plenty of classic panto fun. The slosh scene got the usual big laughs, but we also enjoyed the bell-ringing scene. If you’ve ever tried ringing church bells, you’ll know why. The audience participation was plentiful and the singalong led by Buttons and the Fairy Godmother even included a bit of choreography.
Underneath all the jokes, the show carries a positive and heartfelt message about making dreams come true and knowing that you are enough. It’s a feel-good show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still leaves you with something meaningful.
It’s everything a Christmas panto should be, packed with sparkle, silliness and standout performances. We left with big smiles on our faces and our spirits lifted. If you’re after a festive treat that the whole family will love, don’t wait. Get your tickets here before they disappear like Cinderella at midnight.
RELATED: Festive Things to Do in Norwich During Christmas
Looking ahead we can get excited for next year as Theatre Royal has announced the panto will be Peter Pan!
Cinderella FAQs
The panto opened at Norwich Theatre Royal Saturday 6 December 2025 and runs until Sunday 4 January 2026.
Tickets range from £10 – £42.50. You can buy them here. 
The show lasts approximately 2 hours (including the 20-minute interval).
Yes, it’s a panto so it’s perfect for kids. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Norwich with kids.
You can have a pre-show meal in the Prelude Restaurant and with every 2 or 3 course adult meal, a child under 12 can enjoy a free main course and dessert!
Before the show and during the interval, snacks and drinks can be purchased at Cafe Royal or the Circle or Stalls Bar.
Norwich Theatre Royal is easy to get to as it is located on Theatre Street (next to the Assembly House) in the Norwich city centre. It’s about a 7 minute walk from the Norwich Bus Station or a 20 minute walk from the Norwich Train Station.
You could use any car park in Norwich city centre, but The Forum and Chantry car parks are the closest ones to Norwich Theatre Royal. Alternatively, you could use the Park u0026 Ride for matinee performances as it’s a short walk from the Norwich Bus Station.