Chelmsford Theatre reveals full cast for Cinderella Christmas pantomime 2026
Chelmsford Theatre has revealed the full cast for its 2026 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, with familiar favourites returning alongside a host of new performers for this year's festive production.
The family pantomime will run from Friday, November 27, 2026, until Sunday, January 3, 2027, bringing six weeks of festive entertainment to Chelmsford.
Produced in association with One From The Heart, the production promises traditional pantomime comedy, spectacular costumes, musical numbers and plenty of audience participation.
The newly announced cast includes Sophia Duncan as Cinderella, Daniel Meehan as Buttons and Samuel Levene as the Prince.
Who is starring in Chelmsford's Cinderella pantomime?
Sophia Duncan will take on the title role of Cinderella, marking both her pantomime debut and her first leading stage role.
Her previous credits include Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorised Musical Parody and Dark of the Moon.
Daniel Meehan will play Buttons, Cinderella's loyal friend. Also making his pantomime debut, Daniel trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and The Dance School of Scotland.
Samuel Levene joins the production as the Prince, having previously appeared in productions of Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel.
Familiar faces return to Chelmsford Theatre
Two performers familiar to Chelmsford pantomime audiences are returning for another festive season.
Abi Carter-Simpson will reprise the role of Fairy Godmother.
Abi previously appeared in Chelmsford productions of Snow White and Cinderella. She is also a comedian and recording artist who reached the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent and has supported Jason Manford on tour.
Kane Verrall returns as Dandini, bringing further pantomime experience from productions including Cinderella and Dick Whittington.
Meet Cinderella's Ugly Sisters
This year's production introduces a modern twist on the traditional Ugly Sisters, with both roles played by female performers.
Beth Bradley will play Chlorine, while Jessie May takes on the role of Nicorette.
Beth's previous credits include Grease The Musical and Saturday Night Fever with Royal Caribbean Entertainment.
Jessie has appeared in productions including Beetlejuice, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia!.
The pair will bring the mischievous stepsisters to life as they attempt to prevent Cinderella from finding her happy ending.
Full Cinderella cast for 2026
The announced cast includes:
- Sophia Duncan – Cinderella
- Daniel Meehan – Buttons
- Samuel Levene – The Prince
- Abi Carter-Simpson – Fairy Godmother
- Kane Verrall – Dandini
- Beth Bradley – Chlorine
- Jessie May – Nicorette
The ensemble features Ruby Doe as Dance Captain, alongside Alice Forde, Cassie Money, Jack Yates, Corben Heward-Mills and Lawrie Banks.
Creative team behind the Christmas production
The pantomime has been co-written by Neil Bromley and Tony Casement.
It marks their third Chelmsford Theatre pantomime together, following Snow White in 2024 and Aladdin in 2025.
Ryan-Lee Seager returns as Director and Choreographer, while Ben Kennedy takes on the role of Musical Supervisor and Arranger.
Chelmsford Theatre Director Rhys Thomas welcomed the mixture of returning performers and new talent, highlighting the venue's growing relationship with Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
The production will feature a reimagined Cinderella, elaborate sets, comedy, music and even the return of live ponies to the Chelmsford Theatre stage.
Cinderella at Chelmsford Theatre: Dates and tickets
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Dates: Friday, November 27, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
Ticket prices: £19.50 to £34.50
Running time: Approximately 140 minutes
Performance times: Various daytime and evening performances
The opening performance on November 27 is a discounted preview, with tickets priced at £19.50.
Family tickets and group discounts are also available, subject to the theatre's booking conditions.
Accessible Cinderella performances
Chelmsford Theatre has confirmed several accessible performances:
- Monday, December 28 at 2pm: Relaxed, sensory-adapted performance.
- Tuesday, December 29 at 2pm: Captioned performance.
- Wednesday, December 30 at 2pm: British Sign Language interpreted performance.
The relaxed performance is designed to provide a more welcoming environment for audience members who may benefit from adjustments to lighting, sound and the usual theatre experience.
How to book Cinderella tickets
Tickets are available through the official Chelmsford Theatre website.
Book Cinderella tickets at Chelmsford Theatre
With performances running throughout December and into the New Year, Cinderella is set to be one of Chelmsford's major family entertainment attractions this Christmas.