LISTEN: Cinderella at The Dukes in Lancaster is a magical Christmas treat

A festive feast of big laughs, magical puppetry, gorgeous costumes and original music wrapped around a classic reimagined tale is coming to The Dukes this Christmas.

Cinderella will encourage audiences to believe in their own magic this festive season, and is brought to you by Lancashire's only professional producing theatre The Dukes.

The show stars Evie Hargreaves as Ella, Oliver Nazareth Aston as the Prince, Helen Longworth as Clarissa, Jenny Murphy as Grizelda, Analiese Emerson Guettinger as Greta and David Ahmad as Dad/King.

This original spin on the fairytale is written by BAFTA winner Ian Kershaw (Coronation Street) and directed by Dukes Young Company alumna Polly Wain.

The show features music by Rogue Note (Bay Bryan and Claire O’Connor) and set/costume design by Rachel Walton-Daniels and Laura O’Connor.

In Cinderella, Ella is brave, fierce and determined to forge her own path, and must navigate her new stepfamily.

While doing so she learns the true meaning of believing in yourself, uncovers royal secrets and discovers the value of following your heart.

Beyond Radio spoke to Evie and Helen about what the show means to them.

LISTEN to Evie Hargreaves and Helen Longworth talking about Cinderella

Evie Hargreaves said: "Cinderella will truly give you the best feeling in your heart and put you in the most magical Christmas spirit ready for the holidays, especially families!"

"The Dukes shows were a core memory of my childhood and if you want to make a beautiful memory with your family then come along."

Helen said: "And with the live music as well, it's like coming to a gig as well as the theatre, and a comedy show.

"It's everything rolled into one. Emotional, lovely storytelling...it's just going to be gorgeous.

"Come with the family and be together at Christmas!"

Helen Longworth as Clarissa in Cinderella.

Polly Wain, director, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be directing Cinderella at the Dukes.

"I was born in Lancaster, and the theatre has been a huge part of my life - from watching the Christmas productions with my family to spending 10 years as a member of the Young Company.

"Those experiences are what sparked my interest in theatre, so returning to the Dukes to direct this year's festive production feels like a full circle moment."

Polly Wain

"And what a joy to be working with Ian Kershaw on his surprising and big-hearted adaptation.

"It's action-packed, full of warmth and humour, and features songs throughout which will be played live by our fantastic company of actor-musicians. Although I am biased, it is wonderfully Lancaster-centric.

"There really is something for everyone. I'm itching to get cracking and bring this story to audiences in this wonderful city."

Ian Kershaw said: "I wrote this show for Dukes, Lancaster some years ago – a show, not a panto!

"I wanted to tell the story of Cinderella for my daughters and their friends (not just girls).

"A version with Doc Marten boots instead of glass slippers and where our hero finds the solutions to problems with the help of her friends. 

"People came, lots of people (some came back again) to laugh and cheer and dance and clap along to a story where we learn that when bad guys ride into town the good will come together and always win.

"It’s Christmas too! It’s a proper Christmas feel-good show where everyone leaves with a tingle in their hearts and a grin on their faces.

"And now, this year, in the round, we get to do it all over again, in a new, more improved version – it’s a party where you and everyone you know are invited – come and join us!"

Performances run from November 21 to January 2 and will be in The Round.

Book now HERE.