Cinderella at Lougborough Town Hall Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Hot on the heels of winning the Award for ‘Best Panto’ at the UK Pantomime Awards earlier this year, Loughborough Town Hall whisks audiences of all ages to the Downtown Shabby estate for its festive production of Cinderella. No stranger to the Leicestershire-based venue, Little Wolf Entertainment continues to pride itself on maintaining the highest production values, which have made it an essential on its calendar for over 10 years. But will this production be the belle of the ball, or just another pumpkin at midnight?
This show has all the essentials of a jolly-good pantomime. We get not one but two Dames in the form of the Ugly Sisters, a boo-worthy villain, plenty of magic, a sweet love story, and a brilliant song sheet finale that has everyone singing along. Taking the reins as writer, designer and director is Morgan Brind, who has delivered a fantastic interpretation of the well-known fairytale that is amped up by the showstopping set and Sara Rose’s management of the costume design, which deserves an award alone. The not-so-subtle Ugly Sister costumes have the audience waiting in anticipation for what is to be unveiled at every turn, and the result leaves them in stitches!
Ugly Sisters, Matthew Siveter and Luke Adamson, are a dream to watch. Siveter is quickly becoming a favourite with London audiences, and he’s a force to be reckoned with. Naturally funny and has you in the palm of his hands from the get-go. Watching him alongside Luke Adamson, a new face to the fold, will definitely be more enjoyable over the run - they bounce off each other well and have the potential to be more cheeky and ambitious with their characters.
Emma Robertson and Elliott Evans deliver a delightful turn as Ella and Prince Charming. Robertson is every inch the natural leading lady. Her voice is gorgeous, particularly in her solo prior to Ella going to the ball, and she navigates her character’s shifting relationships and emotions with impressive nuance. Elliott, who is new to the pantomime scene, brings his West End quality to Loughborough. Their Taylor Swift-inspired duet was probably the most memorable musical number of the night. Harry Polden is back and brings ounces of energy into his role as ‘Buttons’, hopefully asserting his place in future pantomime productions. His role forces him to be more front and centre, with a bigger responsibility to motivate audiences.
The young chorus, choreographed by Jordanna Simpson, is well-rehearsed and has a substantial amount of fizz in their delivery. Formed by auditions, this spritely group of local young individuals do a brilliant job at bringing life to the musical numbers.
This year’s pantomime definitely lacked in some areas, which, overall, meant it didn’t quite hit the spot. Cinderella didn’t contain many memorable moments, and some of the foundations I would expect from a show simply weren’t there. The slop scene, one of the most iconic (and usually messiest) moments in any panto, was noticeably absent. At a time in the show when it has the opportunity to deliver some much-needed energy and chaotic fun, it was missed.
The local jokes and topical references were there, but they weren’t fully developed enough to give the show real substance, and it felt like a missed opportunity to deliver stronger material. However, with more chances for the cast to perform in front of public audiences rather than just schools before press night, many of the moments that didn’t quite land could be smoothed out, and their characters could be more established overall.
However, Cinderella will provide people with a jolly good time at the theatre over the festive season. It does what it’s meant to do - it brings people of all ages together to enjoy a slice of theatrical joy and escapism unlike any other, and that’s where this show succeeds!
Cinderella plays at Loughborough Town Hall until 4 January 2026
★ ★ ★
