West End stars come to the Corn Exchange Newbury in Christmas pantomime CINDERELLA

Corn Exchange Newbury have announced the cast for Cinderella, its Christmassy pantomime which runs from 26 November 2021-2 January 2022.

Helmed once again by comedy writing team Plested and Brown,  Cinderella promises to be fun for all the family with plenty of jokes, songs from across the decades and  lots of magic and sparkle! 

Chloe Gentles (Mamma Mia!, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) will play the title role of Cinderella, playing opposite William Beckerleg (Madagascar, Summer Holiday) as Prince Charming. Returning to  the Corn Exchange after last year’s Aladdin, Susan Harrison (Showstopper! The Improvised Musical,  Peter Pan Goes Wrong) is back to give audiences plenty of opportunities to boo and hiss as she plays one of the Stepsisters alongside Ali James (Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Tell Me On A Sunday),  and Justin Brett (Million Dollar Quartet) joins the company as Lady Barbara Hardup.  

Jade Johnson (The Book of Mormon) will be spreading a little magic as the Fairy and Billy Roberts (Nativity the Musical) will play Prince Charming’s trusty servant. Completing the cast are Jordan  Benjamin (Hairspray, London Coliseum) and Rachel Breeze (The Best of the West End).  

Cinderella is written and directed by Plested and Brown, who are Clare Plested, Adam Brown and  Amanda Wilsher. They have had Newbury audiences in stitches for the past two years with their fresh takes on the traditional pantomime stories Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin, whose run was sadly cut short  last year but lived on as a filmed performance. Joining Plested and Brown in the creative team are  musical supervisor Dai Watts, musical director Jordan Paul Clarke, choreographer Holly Hughes and designer Mark Walters.

Plested and Brown said: “We have a confession... Cinderella is our favourite panto; let’s face it, it’s the  godfather (or Fairy Godmother) of all pantomimes! We can’t wait for you to meet our Cinders and her  terrible ‘influencer’ sisters; larger than life Lady Babs; the cheeky Deldini and ridiculously handsome  Prince (who made a fantastic Newbury debut last year as Joe Wicks). Oh, and not forgetting the Mrs  Hinch of the magical kingdom, Fairy Liquid. We’ve had so much fun bringing these characters to life and  giving them some fantastic songs to sing - there’s hits for all the family - from The Descendants to Oasis! 

“We have gathered a magical cast for you who bring comedy, toe tapping songs and plenty of improv  surprises! We’re delighted to be working with a fantastic cast including three members of the incredible improv show Showstoppers! The Improvised Musical - if you haven’t seen it catch them on tour in the  UK or West End. When working with improvisers anything can happen and each show will be unique as  they get the audience involved and to create a truly once in a lifetime performance. You’ll be coming  back for more! 

“We also have West End musical theatre performers from hit shows including Mamma Mia and Only  Fools and Horses - so be prepared for big voices and big laughs. Come join the panto gang... the clock is  ticking and there’s a magical Christmas party to get to!”

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.