Richmond Theatre’s annual pantomime returns this year with Cinderella, a production that leans enthusiastically into tradition and delivers exactly the sort of festive escapism audiences come seeking. This is a show that knows its strengths: broad comedy, familiar beats, and a cast fully committed to the joyful chaos of panto.

Cinders (Hope Dawe) remains the gentle heart of the story, though it is her tormentors who steal much of the attention. Stephen Guarino and Jack Allen‑Anderson revel in their roles as the grotesquely flamboyant stepsisters Veruca and Hernia, strutting about in ever more outrageous costumes, hurling insults with relish and asking the audience “Aren’t we gorgeous?”.

Helen George brings warmth and a touch of sparkle as the Fairy Godmother, guiding Cinderella toward her destined meeting with Tom Major’s earnest Prince Charming ably assisted by Michael Lin as Dandini. Their romance unfolds sweetly, if predictably, but predictability is part of the charm here. The ensemble adds a welcome sense of scale to the production. Whether filling the stage with bustling village life or transforming it into a glittering ballroom, they provide the visual polish that keeps the show moving at a brisk pace.

As is so often the case, the supporting cast provides the real comic engine of the evening. Basil Brush, as Baron Basil, is a riot; quite literally boxed in for much of the show, yet still managing to command the stage with his trademark mischief. A throwaway line about “a man under here” earns one of the night’s biggest laughs.

But it is Charlie Stemp’s Buttons who emerges as the standout. Stemp plays him with a disarming mix of vulnerability and exuberance, particularly in a wonderfully silly scene of jealous interruption as Prince Charming serenades Cinderella atop a snow‑dusted wall. His rapport with the audience is effortless from the first moment on stage.

There is nothing revolutionary about this Cinderella, but nor does it aspire to be. It is warm, lively, and reliably entertaining, a family‑friendly festive treat.

Four Stars.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner.

Photo credit Ian Olsson.

Cinderella is playing at The Richmond Theatre until January 4th 2026

Tickets and further information can be found at the link below

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella-pantomime/richmond-theatre/calendar

Cast

Helen George                 The Fairy Godmother,

Charlie Stemp               Buttons,

Basil Brush                      Baron Basil.

Michael Lin                      Dandini,

Tom Major                        Prince Charming

Hope Dawe                     Cinderella,

Stephen Guarino         Veruca

Jak Allen-Anderson    Hernia

Ensemble

Lucia Coleman,

Luke Jarvis,

Hannah Morcos,

Rowen Newsome,

Emily Rose-Davis,

Sienna Walker.