Cinderella at Hackney Empire Review
Luke Latchman as Prince Charming and Siobhan James as Cinderella in Cinderella.
Written by Bethan for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
If there’s one thing Hackney audiences can count on every Christmas, it’s that their pantomime will arrive bursting with colour, chaos, and community spirit. This year comes with an added twist: for the first time in seventeen years, Clive Rowe takes his place behind the scenes rather than on the stage, stepping into the director’s chair and giving the production a fresh – but slightly unfamiliar – feel.
His long history with the show still anchors the production, though, and the cast he’s assembled is undeniably strong. Alexandra Waite-Roberts is a magnetic standout as the Evil Stepmother – deliciously sharp, wickedly glamorous, and clearly relishing every line. She injects real electricity into her scenes and often lifts the energy just when the pacing begins to sag.
Nicholas McLean brings warmth and genuine likability to Buttons, mixing charm with quick wit and forming an instant connection with the audience. He carries much of the emotional thread with ease and always lands the lighter moments.
But it’s Kat B and George Hayworth who repeatedly steal the spotlight as Stepsisters Flatula and Nausea. Their chemistry is impeccable, their comic timing razor-sharp, and their willingness to lean full tilt into ridiculousness had the audience roaring. They deliver exactly the kind of joyful mayhem Hackney regulars crave.
Still, the show isn’t without its frustrations. Several comic set-pieces run noticeably long – most notably the drawn-out audience-participation dance and the marathon rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Both start out genuinely funny but stretch well past their natural peak, losing momentum and diluting the humour.
Thankfully, the production values remain as lavish as ever, with vibrant sets, energetic choreography, and a band that keeps things buoyant even during the slower stretches. And beneath the occasional bloat, the show’s familiar heart still beats strongly: warm, welcoming, and powered by a sense of community that few pantomimes can match.
While not the tightest outing in recent years, the 2025 Hackney Empire pantomime delivers enough laughs, charm, and festive spirit to earn its three stars – and it leaves you walking out with the comforting feeling that Hackney’s Christmas magic is still very much intact.
Plays at Hackney Empire until 31 December
★ ★ ★
