Shakespeare North Playhouse has announced the full cast for its magical Christmas production of Cinderella, promising festive fun with a unique Prescot twist.
Tia Larsen stars in the title role of Cinderella, a brand-new adaptation by writer Nick Lane, running from Friday 21 November 2025 to Saturday 10 January 2026.
Joining Larsen on stage are Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt, bringing this beloved fairytale to life in the Cockpit Theatre.
Set in the whimsical Kingdom of Prescotisia, Cinderella follows a young woman whose life is turned upside down by the sudden disappearance of her mother and the arrival of a wicked stepmother and two dreadful stepsisters.
But with the help of Fairy 23780 – better known as Mandy – Cinderella embarks on a magical journey to find her mother and win the heart of Prince Flarf of Crosbinia.
Packed with favourite tunes, laugh-out-loud moments and a heartwarming message about family and friendship, this new production is set to be a festive highlight for audiences of all ages.
Tia Larsen returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse after impressing audiences as swing in Alice in Wonderland last Christmas. Her other credits include Vignettes at Hope Mill Theatre and The Incident with M6 Theatre Company.
Emma Grace Arends plays Mandy the Fairy. She is known for her roles in Peppa Pig’s Big Surprise and Peppa Pig My First Cinema Experience – Daisy Sky, as well as numerous stage credits including The Duchess of Malfi and Home, I’m Darling.
Emma Bispham takes on the role of Filania. Her extensive stage work includes Blood Brothers, Taboo, and Bad Girls – the Musical, as well as performances at Liverpool’s Royal Court and the Liverpool Everyman.
Thomas Cotran, who recently appeared in Love’s Labour’s Lost at Shakespeare North, plays Prince Flarf. His credits include One Man, Two Guvnors, The Great Gatsby, and Footloose.
Elliott Kingsley appears as King Dean. A graduate of the YEP programme, his credits include Boys from the Blackstuff, The Tempest, and The Wonderful World of Dissocia.
Charlie Mae McKevitt joins the cast as walking understudy, making her debut at Shakespeare North Playhouse following her appearance in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan.
Cinderella is directed by Nicole Behan, returning after her role as Associate Director on Alice in Wonderland. The creative team also includes Kate Treadell (Assistant Director), Abigail Middleton (Movement Director and Choreographer), Rob Green (Composer and Musical Director), Chloe Wynn (Set and Costume Design), and Ernest Acquah (Sound Design).
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“Cinderella holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and we’re thrilled to be giving it a unique Prescot twist this Christmas. With Nick Lane’s adaptation, a cast brimming with talent, and Nicole Behan at the helm, audiences can expect a show that’s packed with laughter and holiday magic.
“We can’t wait to welcome families and festive theatre lovers of all ages to share in this joyful show at Shakespeare North Playhouse.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
