Cinderella at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham.

Sunday 30th November 2025.

As we take our seats at the Theatre Royal Nottingham for the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, we’re blown away by the beauty of the auditorium, aglow as it is with splendid lights and a set that screams sumptuousness. Once the curtain goes up, it’s clear this is not going to be your average pumpkin-to-carriage tale. Oh no, darling. This is a panto with pizzazz, pirouettes, and the one and only Craig Revel Horwood in heels so high they could give the Eiffel Tower vertigo. If fairy tales were competing in the Saturday night behemoth that is Strictly, this one would be top of the leaderboard.

Let’s start with the undisputed star of the show: Craig Revel Horwood as the Baroness Hardup. He is strictly sensational. I’ve waited years to see Craig in panto, and he’s finally come to Nottingham! (Thank you Crossroads productions!) With a wardrobe that screams villainous couture and a delivery that can cut glass, Craig brings his signature blend of camp and cruelty to the role with delicious relish. His entrance alone – exiting a chauffeur driven limo with the poise of a Paso Doble champion – earns a cheer. And yes, he does throw in a few of his iconic catchphrases. He sneers at poor Cinderella, and the audience roars and boos with delight. Craig’s performance is sharp, theatrical, with just the right amount of over-the-top. He doesn’t just play the Wicked Baroness—he lives her. His dance moves are sublime; his singing is sensational. He is clearly in his element and so are we.

Christina Bianco as the Fairy Godmother is nothing short of magical. Known for her vocal impressions, Christina does not disappoint. One moment she is belting out a Whitney-worthy ballad, the next she is channelling Celine Dion and Julie Andrews with uncanny precision. Her rendition of “Tomorrow” is a vocal masterclass that has the audience cheering mid-song. But beyond the incredible vocal dexterity, Christina brings warmth and charm to the role, guiding Cinderella with grace and glitter. Her voice soars through the theatre. She is Fairy Godmother perfection.

Then there is Neil Hurst as Buttons, the beating heart of the show. Neil’s comedic timing is impeccable – he has the audience in stitches from his first entrance to his final bow. Whether he is picking on unsuspecting punters in the front row or delivering groan-worthy puns, Neil’s energy never dips. His slapstick routines are classic panto fare, but he adds a freshness that makes them feel brand new. And his chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially Cinderella (played with sweet sincerity by Elly Jay), is genuinely touching.

The whole ensemble cast are equally strong. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje makes a dashing Prince Charming with an amazing voice, and Daniel Norford’s Dandini is a delightful sidekick with a mischievous twinkle. The choreography is tight and energetic – think Strictly group number meets fairy tale fantasy – and the costumes by James Maciver are a riot of colour and sparkle. The transformation scene, where Cinderella’s rags turn into a glittering ballgown, is pure theatrical magic. The carriage ride is a sight to behold. Just how do they do it?! The orchestra, under the direction of maestro Gavin Whitworth add so much joy to the piece. How wonderful that this element of panto still thrives. Long live the live musicians!

The script is jam packed with local jokes, cheeky innuendo, and just the right amount of audience participation. There are Strictly references galore – Craig even judges a mock dance-off between the guests at the ball. “Three!” he declares, to howls of laughter. The show knows exactly when to wink at the audience and when to tug at the heartstrings.

Continuing the Strictly theme, The Sisters are gloriously named Tess and Claudia Hardup and are acerbically rendered by Britt Lenting and May Tether. The kids in front of us love to hate them. Lovely stuff.

Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Nottingham is a glitterball triumph, packed with sparkle, sass, and sensational performances. Craig Revel Horwood is the perfect villain, Christina Bianco enchants with powerhouse vocals, and Neil Hurst delivers comedy gold.

In short, it’s a ten from me. It’s a joyful, glittering celebration of everything that makes pantomime great: big laughs, big voices, and even bigger wigs. Whether you’re a Strictly superfan or just in it for the festive fun, this production will sweep you off your feet and send you twirling into the New Year.

So grab your glass slippers and get ready to cha-cha to the ball—because this Cinderella is strictly unmissable.

At the Theatre Royal, Nottingham until Sunday 4th January 2026. Ticket link below:

Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Nottingham