Rose Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of Cinderella, a brand-new retelling of the classic fairytale by Olivier Award-winning writer Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) and Roni Neale, featuring original songs by composer Matt Winkworth.
This festive production continues the Rose’s tradition of reimagining beloved stories for the whole family, while also spotlighting the talents of the Rose Youth Theatre. Young performers will rehearse and perform alongside seasoned professionals in a magical show that promises to be both heartwarming and mischievous.
The professional cast includes Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Prince Chadley, Maddy Hunter as Ella, Hannah Akhalu as Snotterella, Corrina Buchan as Groterella, and Simon Yadoo as Richard / Lord Richard. They will be joined by members of the Rose Youth Theatre, with further casting to be announced.
The creative team features Chris Bush and Roni Neale (Co-Writers), Owen Horsley (Director), Matt Winkworth (Composer), Ryan Dawson Laight (Set & Costume Designer), Bretta Gerecke (Lighting Designer), Dan Balfour (Sound Designer), Shay Barclay (Movement Director), Yvonne Stone (Puppetry Director), Claire Llewellyn (Intimacy & Fight Director), Josh Mathieson (Voice & Dialect Coach), Arthur Carrington (Casting Director), and Pippa Dykes (Associate Director).
Running from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, Cinderella will take audiences on a fantastical journey. When 16-year-old Ella spends Christmas at her dad’s house, she’s forced to share space with her new stepmum and twin stepsisters. But when her wishes are magically granted, Ella finds herself in a world of castles and princes—only to discover that not everything is as it seems.
Chris Bush said:
“I’m beyond excited to be heading back to Kingston for Christmas, and to be working on such an iconic title as Cinderella. It’s even more fun to be teaming up with Matt Winkworth again, and to be bringing Roni Neale to the party – we’re going to have a ball! I hope we can do justice to this timeless classic, while adding a few little twists of our own. Rose audiences were so joyful and generous with us last year, and I can’t wait to be back!”
Rose Artistic Director Christopher Haydon added:
“I’m always energised when we start planning our Christmas production, not just as a director but, perhaps more importantly, as a parent of two very small boys who can’t wait to see it! Our new production of Cinderella promises to bring both magic and mischief at this special time of year that will delight boys and girls, young and old alike.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
