Cinderella To Captivate Audiences At Shakespeare North Playhouse

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, experience the magic of Cinderella with a unique Prescot twist at Shakespeare North Playhouse, a heartwarming festive show packed with laughter, music, and family fun from November 21, 2025, to January 10, 2026!

Cinderella

The Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot is set to bring the beloved fairytale of Cinderella to life this Christmas with a magical production running from November 21, 2025, to January 10, 2026. This enchanting adaptation, crafted with a unique Prescot twist, promises to delight family audiences at the award-winning theatre’s Cockpit stage. An early bird ticket offer is available until August 8, 2025, encouraging theatregoers to secure their seats for this festive spectacle.

In the fictional Kingdom of Prescotisia, Cinderella’s life is upended when her mother vanishes, and her father remarries the cruel Filania, accompanied by her two unpleasant daughters. Excluded from a grand party hosted by Prince Flarf of Crosbinia, Cinderella faces isolation until Fairy 23780, nicknamed Mandy, steps in. Fresh from Fairy Godmother school, Mandy helps Cinderella attend the ball, search for her missing mother, and perhaps capture the prince’s heart. This heartwarming story, filled with humor, music, and themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, is tailored for the holiday season.

A Talented Cast

Leading the cast is Tia Larsen as Cinderella, returning to Shakespeare North after her standout performance as a swing in last year’s Alice in Wonderland. A graduate of Rose Bruford College in Wigan, Larsen brings experience from productions like Vignettes at Hope Mill Theatre and The Incident with M6 Theatre Company. Emma Grace Arends plays Mandy the Fairy, known for roles in The Duchess of Malfi at Greenwich Theatre and Peppa Pig’s UK tour. Emma Bispham takes on the role of the villainous Filania, with credits including Blood Brothers at Phoenix Theatre and Taboo in the West End.

Prince Flarf is portrayed by Thomas Cotran, who previously appeared at Shakespeare North in Love’s Labour’s Lost. His other roles include One Man, Two Guvnors at The New Vic and The Great Gatsby at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Elliott Kingsley, trained through Liverpool Everyman’s YEP programme, plays King Dean, with credits like Boys from the Blackstuff at the National Theatre. Charlie Mae McKevitt makes her Shakespeare North debut as the walking understudy, fresh from The Further Adventures of Peter Pan at the Floral Pavilion. The ensemble will cover all additional roles.

Creative Vision and Direction

Directed by Nicole Behan, who served as Associate Director for last year’s Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North, this production promises a vibrant and engaging experience. Behan, artistic director of Paperwork Theatre, has directed works like My Beautiful Laundrette for Leicester Curve and the National Theatre. The creative team includes assistant director Kate Treadell, movement director and choreographer Abigail Middleton, composer and musical director Rob Green, set and costume designer Chloe Wynn, and sound designer Ernest Acquah.

Shakespeare North Playhouse: A Cultural Hub

Since opening in July 2022, Shakespeare North Playhouse has become a cornerstone of cultural and community development in Knowsley. Named Theatre Building of the Year 2023 by The Stage Awards, the venue features a unique 17th-century-style timber Cockpit theatre, configurable for end-on or in-the-round performances. Designed by Helm Architecture with support from Austin-Smith: Lord, the energy-efficient building also houses an outdoor performance garden, a 60-seater studio theatre, an exhibition gallery, a learning centre, and a café with an outdoor piazza. Funded by public contributions and organizations like Knowsley Council and Arts Council England, the Playhouse attracts over 140,000 visitors annually, boosting local jobs, skills, and well-being.

This production of Cinderella, the fourth Christmas show at Shakespeare North, combines magical storytelling with a talented cast and creative team to deliver a festive experience filled with laughter and holiday spirit. With its Prescot-inspired adaptation and universal themes, the show is poised to become a cherished holiday tradition for families and theatre enthusiasts alike.

Find Cinderella now:

Prospero Place, Prescot, L34 3AB

Date: Friday 21 November – Saturday 10 January 2026 (previews 21, 22 and 24 November)

Time: Various

Price: Adults from £25.50/Children aged three to 16 from £20.40/Concessions from £20.40/Children aged two and under go free

Early bird ticket offer: Save 15% on ticket prices for new bookings between now and 8 August

HOW TO BOOK:  Book online at https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/