I am so pleased to be writing this as I confirm panto season has arrived at the Swansea Grand Theatre for 2023/24.
You are in for a real treat as Imagine Theatre bring their pantomime of Cinderella to the Grand. In fact, I’m really excited to be sharing this preview with you for lots of reasons.
Cinderella is the classic fairytale story of a young girl who is exploited by her stepmother and stepsisters (depending on the version). When they are all invited to the Prince’s ball in order for him to find his queen, the stepsisters scheme to prevent Cinderella from going. Luckily, her fairy godmother (or in this case, godparent) arrives to transform Cinderella into a Princess for the evening. However, she must return home by the stroke of midnight. A glass or crystal slipper is all that is left behind and is the only way for the Prince to reunite with his Cinderella. There are many versions of this story with some estimates varying from 340 to over 1,500, but let’s just say, Cinderella at The Grand is surely number 1,501, offering its own twist of the story.
It’s the perfect fairytale if you are coming to the panto for the first time. If you have been before, it can sometimes get a bit repetitive with the same jokes and format. It also hasn’t been quite the same since covid shut the theatres and restrictions made it less enjoyable for both actors and audiences alike. However, that’s not the case here!
Panto is truly BACK at the Swansea Grand in all its glory with some 21st century upgrades. There is clearly an award-winning format to these things and if it isn’t broke, why fix it? But this year’s pantomime takes what we have come to know and love and made it the best it can be, complete with all the trimmings. Expect plenty of on-stage banter, laugh out loud moments that will have you oohing and aahing.. along with some obligatory hissing. Oh, there is also a royal wedding too.
Swansea’s panto welcomes TV favourites and dancing duo, AJ and Curtis Pritchard, to lead the cast as the Prince Charming and Dandini. The brothers are a force to be reckoned with as AJ brings his Strictly Come Dancing moves, whilst Curtis brings the vocals and his own dance moves having starred in Dancing with the Stars in Ireland. Curtis’ rendition of Michael Bublé’s ‘Just Haven’t Met You Yet’ is one of the musical number highlights of the show – something the audience really got into. There are also a number of popular hits such as ‘Welcome to the 60’s’ from Hairspray that have been reworked for the Cinderella panto. A smooth move if you ask me, as everyone knows the tune and can really get into the rhythm of things.
The pair are joined by panto favourites, Kev Johns MBE and Matt Edwards, who are making a welcome return this year as Dame Penny Pockets and Buttons.
Kev Johns can only be described as a local legend and we can think of no one better to return as this year’s panto dame. There is plenty of audience participation, the most we have seen ever – Kev Johns will have you up on your feet and some unlucky (or lucky) soles will even get invited on stage – some of the best moments in my opinion. We love Kev’s tastefully cheeky charm who is adored by all, not to mention the 8 outrageous outfit changes! He is a hit with young and old who love his comedy antics, especially in the 12 days of Christmas skit. There are the usual naughty elbow nudges for the adults too.
Matt Edwards is also no stranger to Swansea Grand, taking up the reigns of Buttons having played Cyril last year. His facial expressions are enough on their own to have you in stitches. Matt and Kev make the perfect double act, especially when they invite an unsuspecting member of the audience to help them alongside Curtis Pritchard (Dandini) in the 12 days of Christmas. Audience member ‘Sam’ was such a good sport, especially when it came to the cream pie in the face routine. I hope others are just as up for a laugh as he was.
Audiences will also be familiar with performer and Swansea-born Stefan Pejic, who returns this year to play Cinderella’s Fairy Godparent, after appearing as the Beast in last year’s award-winning pantomime.
The title role of Cinderella is played by Samantha Thomas who hails from Llanelli. Cinderella’s evil Stepsisters, Ella Biddlecombe also from Wales, and Sophie Sheridan who are looking to thwart her efforts meet her Prince Charming. The Stepsisters (Whitney & Britney) have been given a makeover as social media influencers who love nothing more than themselves. Be careful though, as they threaten to ‘unfollow’ you if you don’t do as they say. They certainly made a welcome change to the usual dames that play the roles. The fact that they were both quite young made them completely relatable to teenagers of our time no doubt there will be a few in the audience taking a double take the next time they look in the mirror.
Joining them are the ensemble made up of Ella Goodie, Connor Pearson, Natalie Twist, James Wilson, Woodrow Young and Zhanel Zhan, who will perform alongside a group of talented local youngsters.
This year also sees another award-winning digital set and like the one which stunned audiences last year – both have won gongs at the UK Pantomime Awards for Best Set. The digital displays are able to transform the stage in an instant, giving it a modern look and feel with colours that pop. However, it integrates and works alongside the actors on stage to create a seamless transition, especially when it comes to Cinderella’s royal coach.
Speaking ahead of curtains up, Kev Johns said: “I am so excited about coming back to the Grand with Imagine Theatre for this year’s Pantomime production of Cinderella. Last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast was voted the UK’s best panto and I know this year will be the same.”
Cinderella is presented by Imagine Theatre. Laura Taylor is Associate Producer. It is written by Will Brenton and Directed by James Robert Moore with choreography from Eddie Slattery. The musical arranger is Steve Power with Musical direction from Welsh musician John Quirk. Video is by PixelLux, with video design by Nina Dunn. Lighting design is from Rachel Moule, with sound design by Nick Sagar.
Make magical memories with your family as the timeless tale of Cinderella is brought to life. Will she outwit her wicked stepsisters and find her very own Prince Charming with the help of her Fairy Godparent and her lovable pal Buttons? You’ll have to be there to find out!
The clock is ticking, so pop on your glad rags, grab the hottest ticket in town and see if a pair of shoes really can change your life!
Swansea Grand Theatre are once again collecting change at the end of the show to support local campaign Everyone Deserves a Christmas. Last year, patrons helped to raise £18,400 to help more than 2,000 families with Christmas dinner and treats for children.
This year’s pantomime is sponsored by FRF Toyota Motability.
Tickets from £17, with school and group rates and concessions available
Tickets are on sale now at swanseagrand.co.uk.
