As one of the most beloved stories in British panto, Cinderella sticks to the tale we all know and love. Cinderella (Malaika Martin) endures a life of chores under the watchful eye of her wicked stepmother (Olivia-Joy Shepherd) and the antics of her over-the-top Ugly Sisters, Gertie (Jack Gamble) and Bertie (Alex Farrell). But with the wave of her Fairy Godmother’s (Lauren Margaret) wand, she’s off to the ball, where she meets the dashing Prince Charming (Jack Ryan). It’s a classic story told with a hearty helping of mischief, glitter, and gags.
This production doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel. It’s a traditional, laugh-out-loud show filled with audience participation, cheeky jokes, and the usual “Oh no, he didn’t!” moments that make panto so beloved.
The success of any pantomime lies in the talent of its cast, and this ensemble more than delivers. Malaika Martin’s Cinderella brings a sweet and relatable presence to the stage, while Lauren Margaret’s Fairy Godmother lights up the room with her infectious energy. Olivia-Joy Shepherd’s Baroness Hardup is a pantomime villain to remember, orchestrating boos and hisses from the audience with expert precision—and clearly loving every second of it.
Sam Beech, who not only directs and writes but also stars as the lovable Buttons, keeps the energy high with his quick wit, impeccable timing, and natural rapport with the audience. Beech strikes the perfect balance, delivering humour that works for all ages, from slapstick silliness for the kids to cheeky one-liners for the grown-ups.
Of course, no panto is complete without a Dame—or in this case, two! Jack Gamble and Alex Farrell as the Ugly Sisters, Gertie and Bertie, are larger-than-life, donning outrageous costumes and delivering laugh-out-loud moments that had the audience in stitches.
Visually, the production embraces the festive magic of pantomime. From the twinkling illuminated Cinderella sign to the glittering disco ball and flying pumpkin carriage, the show creates an enchanting atmosphere that captivated its young audience.
While Act 1 sets the scene, it’s in Act 2 where the production truly shines. The Palace Ball delivers side-splitting comedy as Buttons and the Ugly Sisters morph into a hilariously uncoordinated mock-French ballet troupe. From there, the fun ramps up with classic panto gags and the much-loved “12 Days of Panto” sketch—a annual staple that keeps the audience in fits of laughter.
The team has created a production that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter’s evening. It’s everything you want in a family pantomime: engaging, funny, and full of festive sparkle. For many young audience members, this will have been their first experience of live theatre, and it’s a memory they’ll treasure.
Tamworth audiences are in for another treat next year when Jack and the Beanstalk lands at the Assembly Rooms (30th of December 2025–18th of January 2026). If Cinderella is anything to go by, it promises to be another unmissable show.