Hackney Empire has revealed the full cast and creative team for their 2025 pantomime, Cinderella, which will be directed by Clive Rowe, who returns to helm the production having played the venue’s panto dame numerous times, most recently in last year’s Dick Whittington and his Cat.
Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, free from the clutches of her Ugly Sisters and wicked stepmother. When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs. Throw in some glass slippers, a Fairy Godmother, and a little sparkle of magic and you’ve got yourself a pantomime that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit.
This classic rags to riches tale comes to life in the Borough of Hackney, from 22 November-31 December, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients; from an unbelievable cast to extravagant costumes, audience participation and sensational song and dance numbers this Cinderella has everything… and all before the clock strikes twelve.
Stepping into Cinderella’s glass slippers will be Siobhan James, who has risen through Hackney Empire’s creative development programme, while Jade Johnson will play the Fairy Godmother with Nicholas McLean as Buttons, Alexandra Waite-Roberts as Oblivia, the Wicked Stepmother, while Kat B, returning for his twentieth Hackney Empire pantomime, teams up with George Heyworth as Ugly Sisters Flatula and Nausea.
Looking forward to taking on the title role, James says, “From three years old in my first ballet show, through to returning home as Cinderella, this is a divine full circle moment.”
The cast is completed by Chrissie Bhima as Dandini, Luke Latchman as Prince Charming and an ensemble comprising Christian De-Gallerie, who first appeared in pantomime at Hackney Empire as a member of the Young Ensemble and returns following his ensemble role in Aladdin in 2023, Alex Ferro, Vieve Hamilton, Anna Maria Barber, Eloise Simpson, Clio Tamai and Matthew Tratch.
Joining Rowe on the creative team are writer Will Brenton, composer Steven Edis, costume designer Cleo Pettitt, musical director Wendy Gadian, choreographer Michael Ward, with lighting design by Tim Mitchell and sound design by Richard Bell.
Jo Hemmant, Hackney Empire’s CEO adds, ”It feels very special to be announcing the full cast and creative team for Cinderella, which will be my last pantomime as Executive Director here. Hackney pantomime has always been about joy, community and world-class talent on our stage, and this year will be no exception. Cinderella promises to be a truly magical finale to my time at Hackney Empire.”
Tickets here.
