Review: Cinderella (Richmond Theatre)

Review by Rosie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Richmond Theatre has become synonymous with festive fun, delighting families year after year with its annual pantomime. Known for embracing all the beloved traditions of panto, from outrageous costumes to cheeky jokes and plenty of audience participation, it’s become a highlight of my Christmas season. This year’s offering, Cinderella, arrives with a decidedly star-studded cast, West End sensation Charlie Stemp, Call the Midwife’s Helen George and, in perhaps the most nostalgic coup of all, Basil Brush. With a lineup this dazzling, expectations were undeniably sky-high. With talent like that, Cinderella promised to be a real Christmas cracker.

The story of Cinderella is one of the most cherished fairy tales: a kind young woman, treated cruelly by her two ugly stepsisters, dreams of a better life. Thanks to her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball – but must leave at midnight, leaving behind only a glass slipper for the Prince to find her. While all these familiar beats were present, the narrative often took a backseat to comedy, musical numbers, and skits. But let’s face it, that’s exactly what we love about panto.

Helen George sparkles as the Fairy Godmother, resplendent in sequins and wings. Her entrance sets the tone with a stunning rendition of Glinda’s introductory song from Wicked, immediately showcasing her powerhouse vocals. Later, she charms with a festive twist on “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” complete with some Strictly-worthy moves. George doesn’t shy away from the silliness either, leaning into the chaotic fun that makes pantomime so irresistible, and referencing her role in Call the Midwife to much audience delight.

Charlie Stemp takes on the role of Buttons, Cinderella’s loyal friend, and proves why he’s one of the West End’s brightest stars. Having graced the Palladium panto three times, Stemp is no stranger to the world of pantomime, and his charisma is undeniable. His comic timing is impeccable, and his dance skills? Simply dazzling. A tap routine was a particular highlight, and frankly, it would have been criminal not to include one with Stemp in the cast. It’s clear why he’s so decorated with awards and nominations, his star quality shines through every moment.

As Cinderella, Hope Dawe returns to Richmond’s stage with grace and charm. Her vocals are lovely, and her duet with Stemp on “I’d Do Anything” was a sweet, heartwarming moment. Michael Lin, as Dandini, keeps up pace beautifully, joining Stemp for some impressive footwork during the tap number and bringing charismatic energy to the Prince’s right-hand man. Then there is Basil Brush as Baron Basil, a nostalgic treat for many adults and a cheeky delight for kids. His trademark “Boom Boom!” was greeted with roars of laughter, and even if some younger audience members didn’t recognise him, his mischievous humour transcends generations. I’ll admit, seeing Basil Brush live was more exciting than I probably should admit!

The ugly stepsisters, Verruca and Hernia Hardup, played by Stephen Guarino and Jak Allen-Anderson, are gloriously over-the-top villains. Their extravagant costumes and wicked antics drew plenty of boos, though their stage time felt a little limited. In fact, that’s perhaps the only drawback of such a talented cast, at times, the show felt rushed, trying to give everyone their moment. Two hours is usually ample for a panto, but here I found myself wishing for more: more tap from Charlie, more vocals from Helen, and more cheekiness from Basil.

Visually, the production dazzles. Costume designer Teresa Nalton outdoes herself with glitzy, colourful creations, each more spectacular than the last. The polar bear costumes were a charming surprise, and the stepsisters’ outfits were jaw-dropping. For children experiencing theatre for the first time, these visuals must have been pure magic. The only slight disappointment was the pumpkin-to-carriage transformation, which felt a little underwhelming, but was perhaps a limitation of the stage size. Musical theatre fans will appreciate the showtune-heavy score, featuring numbers from Wicked, Oliver! and The Prom. The high-energy ensemble performance of “Tonight Belongs to You” is a standout, filling the theatre with infectious joy and showcasing the cast’s talents.

Still, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a joyous, traditional pantomime brimming with sparkle, laughter, and festive cheer. With a cast this talented, Richmond Theatre delivers yet again. Cinderella is a perfect family outing for the season, funny, magical, and full of heart. Oh yes it is!

Cinderella plays at Richmond Theatre until Sunday 4th January 2026, tickets and more information can be found here - Cinderella (Pantomime) Tickets | Richmond Theatre in Richmond | ATG Tickets

Photos by Ian Olsson