Ella Berg, Evie Bolton, Tegan Cumming, Evelyn Den Otter, Noah Devereux, Sid Gingerich, Delaney Grover, Eden Krawetz, Aaron Leepoy-Brown, Lilliana Lourenco, Malaya MacDonald, Nolan McKee, Asher Moore, Kole Parks, Emily Proctor-Sellors, Abigail Rotteau, Fiona Short, Fiona Smith, Zuri Taylor, Maria Van Geffen, Junior Van Geffen, Alison Weeks, Brady Wilson, Ocean Wuerth
Once Upon A Time...
... in a theatre not too far away... a magical team of performers, designers, musicians, crew members and volunteers, along with an entire village of theatre staff came together to bring a little sparkle, laughter, and happily-ever-after to the lives of over three generations of audience members. Welcome to our pantomime production of Cinderella!
Panto is a unique and beloved theatrical tradition — one where the fourth wall is cheerfully shattered, good always triumphs over evil, and audiences of all ages are not just invited, but expected to cheer, boo, and shout out their favourite lines. (Oh no they’re not!) Oh yes they are!
Whether it’s your first panto or your fiftieth, we hope you’re ready to play along, lose yourself in the fun and include the Drayton Entertainment Panto amongst your favourite family traditions.
At its heart, Cinderella is a story of kindness, courage, and believing in the impossible. So, whether you’re here for the glass slippers or the silly sisters, the royal ball or the groans and giggles, we’re delighted to have you with us. Thank you for supporting live theatre — and remember: in a world full of pumpkins, the magic of kindness is the key to a happy ending.
Enjoy the show!
David Connolly Artistic Director Director & Choreographer, Cinderella: The Panto
Meet Cinderella
Interview with Hadley Mustakas
What was your very first panto experience like? What elements from that initial encounter truly captivated you and made it memorable?
“Growing up, I went to see Drayton Entertainment’s Panto every year. As soon as I was of age, I began auditioning for the children’s chorus and performed in the shows for many years after that.
I associate the Pantos to true and pure magic. The community built between the wonderful people on stage and behind the scenes to the connection with the audience is the most fulfilling theatre experience I’ve ever witnessed and participated in. The Pantos are an excellent reminder that goodness prevails, and to always put kindness out into the universe. It’s a full circle moment for me to be on this stage today, after years and years of dreaming to be a part of sharing this magic with people. But as Cinderella says ‘if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true’” .
What do you believe are Cinderella's most defining character traits? How do you try to embody those in your performance?
“Cinderella is pure of heart, honest, helpful, and polite. She is good, kind, and generous.
For the embodiment of Cinderella, I think it’s most important to connect to all of the magical humans I have the pleasure of sharing the stage with, to listen and learn from those around me, to find the hope even when things are difficult, and to always be curious and explore”.
For the full interview CLICK HERE!
The Characters
Cinderella
Baron Notapenny
Baroness Notapenny
Revolta & Atrocia
Fairy Godmother
Buttons
Prince Charming
Dandini
A kind-hearted young woman, who is mistreated by her cruel stepfamily.
Cinderella’s father, and Baroness Notapenny’s husband. He adores Cinderella, but is powerless to help her from her stepmother and stepsisters.
Cinderella’s selfish, cruel and vain stepmother. She wants nothing more than for one of her daughters to marry the Prince.
Vain and selfish like their mother, they desperately desire a wealthy, handsome prince and a life of luxury.
A fairy with magical powers who wants everyone to get the happy ending they deserve.
Baron Notapenny’s cheerful and quick-witted footman who is Cinderella's best friend.
A kind prince who longs for true love, and seeks someone who values him, and not his title.
The Prince’s trusted advisor.
Plot Synopsis
OnceUponaTime
There was a kind hearted woman named Cinderella, who was mistreated by her stepmother and two stepsisters. Her timid father was powerless to help her, and her only comfort was her best friend Buttons.
One day, the Prince announced his plan to host a costume ball to meet his bride to be. Could this be the chance for Cinderella to claim her own happily ever after?
The Palace Gardens
Downtrodden Abbey
The Deep Dark Forest
Downtrodden Abbey
Downtrodden Abbey
Palace Ballroom
Age Recommendation: 5 and up
Running Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission
The Prince gathers every unmarried lady in the village to try on the shoe left at the Palace the night before
The Village Square
The Prince and Dandini craft a plan for a costume ball where the Prince will find a wife
Cinderella meets her new stepmother and stepsisters She feels she might never be happy again
The Costume Ball is announced to the village, and everyone is invited
Concealing his identity, the Prince helps Cinderella fight off Zombies
Cinderella’s costume is ruined by her stepmother But her Fairy Godmother helps Cinderella still attend the ball!
Cinderella and the Prince meet again, but Cinderella leaves at midnight to go home before the spell wears off
The Village Square
The Prince finds Cinderella and asks her to marry him.
What is a Panto?
Pantomime (or “panto” for short) is a type of theatrical performance that dates back to the 18th century. This type of theatre can be linked to Italian entertainment such as, 'Commedia dell'Arte', and early forms of mime. The pantomime has been a tradition in the UK for over three centuries, and has become a beloved form of family entertainment.
Panto Stock Characters
Learn more about the history of pantomime
In a Panto, there are several character types that are traditionally included to have a wellrounded cast that will provide a combination of drama, comedy and sometimes romance.
The Principal Boy
Brave and resourceful, and is ultimately responsible for vanquishing the “baddie” and bringing the story to a happy conclusion.
The Principal Girl
Smart and kind-hearted, but shows strength in the face of danger. There may be a romance between her and the principal boy.
The Principal Baddie
Someone who makes everyone’s lives miserable. By the end, the baddie and their henchmen will have either been destroyed or made to see the error of their ways.
HISTORY
The Dame
An exaggerated comedic female character played by a male actor. Larger than life, funny, and unapologetically over-the-top.
The Comic
They usually introduce themselves to the audience early in the first Act. They are considered to be the most lovable character in the show.
DID YOU KNOW?
Drayton Entertainment has staged 13 pantos across four theatres since 2006.
SCENICDESIGN
Set Design by JC Olivier
Getting Ready for the Ball
Atrocia
Cinderella Costume Design by Rachel Berchtold
COSTUME DESIGN
THE ORIGINS OF CINDERELLA
There is an estimated 1,500 variations of Cinderella around the globe, but how has this folktale evolved over the centuries?
CINDERELLA AROUND THE WORLD
What versions of Cinderella do you know? Read or listen to this classic tale from around the world.
WHAT IS A FAIRY TALE?
Join Michael Rosen to find out just what makes fairy tales special, with brilliant animations by Allen Fatimaharan.
Fairy Tales
A SHORT HISTORY OF FAIRY TALES
Literary fairy tales first emerged from oral storytelling traditions. Originally intended for adults, the genre gradually evolved into children’s literature.
Beyond the Ball: Bullying in Cinderella
What do you think of when you hear the word “bullying”? What is a bully?
Bullying:
...is an aggressive behaviour, a purposeful act, and includes power (through status or physical size), frequency, and intent to harm.
What types of bullying are there? Does all bullying look the same?
What are some examples of bullying in the story of Cinderella? Who are the bully’s in Cinderella?
How do you think Cinderella felt when being bullied? Is there anything Cinderella could have done to stop the bullying?
BullyingCanada provides a safe environment and supportive resources for Canadian youth affected by bullying, empowering them with the guidance and support they need to successfully navigate difficult situations and achieve a positive outcome
about what bullying is, what to do about bullying, and how to get help. Learn more
Conversation Starters
"Happily ever after is not a fairy tale, it's a choice." – Fawn Weaver
What are the differences and similarities between a pantomime and a musical? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
What are your thoughts on this statement? What does it mean to live happily ever after? What does your happily ever after look like?
Why was going to the costume ball so important to Cinderella? Why did Cinderella’s stepmother care if she went or not?
Do you think everyone deserved the ending they received in Cinderella? Why or why not?
Is this version of Cinderella different from other ones you are familiar with?
Do you think it changed the meaning of the story?
The moral of a story, is a message or lesson that often teaches someone between right and wrong. In Cinderella, is there a moral or lesson that you can identify? Is this something that you can apply to your everyday life?
7. What would your life be like if you had a Fairy Godmother? Is there anything you would ask for?
Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Children Chorus Program This program is for aspiring young performers (ages 815), and is offered free of charge!
Appear alongside professional performers in lead roles while you learn, laugh and make lots of new friends!
Step 1.
Step 2.
Visit the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy website, or join their mailing list to be notified about upcoming performance opportunities!
Visit the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy website to view posted auditions. Carefully review the audition details (when and where they'll be held and what materials you need to prepare). Complete the pre-registration forms to book your audition spot.
Step 3.
Once you’ve completed your audition, you will be notified by our Creative team. If you have been selected for the Children’s Chorus, you will receive a Welcome Package to help you and your family throughout the adventure.
