From rubble to riches; the story of Cinderella sweeps onto the Grand Opera House York stage for this year’s annual panto tale!
A familiar fairytale, polished with the usual blend of magic, mischief and festive sparkle, as UK Productions returns promising an unforgettable ball. The question is whether this year’s show truly takes the crown or grazes its golden opportunity?
Cinderella is at the Grand Opera House York from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Taking centre stage is Rachel Grundy as Cinderella, who brings a sprightly warmth and easy charm to the role. She has the glow of a heroine you want to root for, and her gentle humour and sincerity gives the production a steady heartbeat.
But it’s Jimmy Bryant as Buttons who sparks the pantomime into life. With his camp charisma and well-measured desperation, he ensures that the energy never dips for long and his performance of ‘Uptown Funk’ is the first major lift of the night, signalling the start of a panto party.
Tobias Turley, winner of ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, steps into the royal boots of a cheerfully dim Prince Charming. His string of solos and reprises are clearly designed to showcase his vocal strengths, and he delivers them with confidence, especially when paired with his right hand man Dandini. Bradley Judge’s comic instinct is razor-sharp; each gesture, glance and aside lands precisely where it should, and he frequently steals the limelight with his natural ease on stage.
Not everything glides as smoothly as a glass slipper, however. Jon Monie’s script occasionally gallops ahead of itself, with exchanges that feel rushed or lines that don’t quite find their feet. There were moments when dialogue seemed to slip past the audience before it had time to breathe.
It’s the sort of early-in-the-run pacing issue that almost always improves as the cast settle into the show, and, to their credit, the actors recover quickly. In fact, the accidental stumbles and spontaneous ad-libs were some of the most rewarding moments – the audience clearly relishing those glimpses of play and wishing the production would lean into them even more. When the show does pause, those quieter beats pay off handsomely, especially in the magical act one finale, which delivers a moment of true theatrical wonder.
Lisa George takes top billing as the Fairy Godmother, swapping the cobbles of Coronation Street for the sparkle of a wand. Her approach is refreshingly unpretentious: half fairy, half delightfully chaotic aunt at Christmas. She sweeps through scenes with warmth, mischief and an eagerness for a musical interlude. It’s a performance that doesn’t try to reinvent the role but certainly makes it admirable.
As for nemesis’, the ugly sisters, Brandon Nicholson as Harmony and Luke Attwood as Melody (pronounced, as they insist, Me’ Lady), they sweep in with villainous flair. Their parade of extravagant costumes and towering wigs steals entire scenes, often distracting the audience so completely that the traditional boos arrive a beat late. They are unapologetically bold, and the show is better for it.
Musically, the pantomime casts its net wide. One Direction throwbacks are on offer, with newer fandoms pleased with another K-Pop Demon Hunters offering. Whilst musical theatre fans relish in the Wicked and Cats interludes, adding accompaniment to the otherwise sharp scene changes. Add in panto favourites like ‘Walking on Sunshine’ and ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (reworked here as Stony Broke) and you have a playlist with something for every generation.
The standout triumph of this year’s production has to be the costuming. Designer Elizabeth Dennis has created a wardrobe that glitters from every angle. Each character seems to reappear in an even more dazzling outfit than before, and the children’s ensemble from Lisa Marie Performing Arts and Dance Expression School of Dance and adult ensemble wear their bows, petticoats and lavish fabrics with real joy, adding to their already enthusiastic performance. This visual polish elevates every scene.
This Cinderella is loud, lively and full of heart. While a few elements feel slightly under-seasoned, there’s still a generous helping of festive fun to be had.
If you’re ready for a trip to the ball, Grand Opera House York has your carriage waiting.
Cinderella is at the Grand Opera House until Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets start from £16 and are available here.
