If you’re after a pantomime that has all the sparkle, silliness, and singalong fun you could hope for, look no further than Cinderella, brought to life by The Experiences Group at Tamworth Assembly Rooms. With a cast bursting with energy, a live band that elevates every moment, and a bucketload of laughs for both kids and grown-ups, this production is a joy for the whole family.
Cinderella is the quintessential British pantomime, and this production stays true to the beloved story while keeping the energy high and the jokes flying.Cinderella (Malaika Martin) is stuck doing all the chores for her evil stepmother (Olivia-Joy Shepherd) and her two Ugly Sisters, Gertie (Jack Gamble) and Bertie (Alex Farrell). Enter a Fairy Godmother (Lauren Margaret) with a wand and a plan, and soon Cinderella is off to the ball to meet Prince Charming (Jack Ryan). It’s the traditional tale we all love—but with a healthy dose of silliness, sparkle, and slapstick.
This production doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a proper old-school pantomime, packed with audience participation, silly songs, and all the “Oh no, he didn’t!” moments you’d expect.
Pantomime relies on a strong cast who can handle the madness, and this lot more than deliver. Malaika Martin’s Cinderella is sweet and relatable, with just the right amount of wide-eyed innocence to balance the chaos around her. Lauren Margaret’s Fairy Godmother is an instant hit with the audience, bouncing onto the stage with playful energy as a fairy who’s just earned her wings. And Olivia-Joy Shepherd’s Baroness Hardup? A masterclass in villainy. Shepherd really understood her role as the baddie, and conducted the audience like a booing orchestra, and she loved every minute of it.
From the moment Sam Beech’s Buttons bounds onto the stage, it’s clear you’re in for a laugh-out-loud evening. Beech, who also wrote and directed the show, has packed every scene with humour that lands perfectly for all ages. The kids were roaring at the slapstick antics, while the adults chuckled knowingly at one-liners that stayed cheeky without veering into smutty territory.
And let’s not forget the Ugly Sisters, Bertie and Gertie, played by Alex Farrell and Jack Gamble. Their antics, outfits, and over-the-top characters had the audience in stitches. Countering the Ugly Sisters were the joyful Jack Ryan as Prince Charming, Ricardo Alexander as Dandini, and Marcello Pupino as Baron Hardup.
This production doesn’t just rely on its jokes; it’s a visual treat as well. The illuminated Cinderella sign at the front of the stage, glittering disco balls, and bubbles drifting down from the ceiling combined to create a magical atmosphere that had kids wide-eyed with wonder. It’s the kind of spectacle that makes you feel like a kid again, even if only for a couple of hours.
If there’s one place where the show could use a little polish, it’s the pacing of Act 1. Some sections, particularly the exposition-heavy moments, felt a tad over-explained. Do we really need a detailed description of the stepmother’s appearance seconds before she walks on stage? Probably not. But this is a minor quibble in a show that otherwise delivers on its promise of fun and festivity.
The real magic of this production lies in its playful spirit, packed with parody songs, hilarious audience interaction, and comedy sketches that steal the show—especially in Act 2. It all kicked off at the Palace Ball, where Buttons and the Ugly Sisters transformed into a mock-French ballet troupe. Honestly, I didn’t know watching three grown men rub a balloon against each other could be so side-splittingly funny, but here we are. From there, we were treated to the classic pantomime gag of weaving song lyrics into a story—a challenge Buttons absolutely nailed. And the highlight? The legendary Tamworth "12 Days of Panto," which has become a staple of the show each year.
The music is another standout element. With a live band led by Musical Director Tim Robinson, every note feels vibrant and alive. The songs are fun, fresh, and cleverly integrated into the storytelling, never feeling like mere filler. It’s a refreshing change from some pantomimes, where the musical numbers can sometimes feel shoehorned in.
The Experiences Group has truly delivered on its name, creating an experience that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, Cinderella will leave you grinning from ear to ear. If this was your first pantomime (and for many young audience members, it likely was), you’re in luck—you’ve been treated to a proper, traditional family panto that’s set the bar high. And if this isn’t your first, it’ll still remind you why you fell in love with this magical art form in the first place.
Tamworth, get ready, because if Cinderella is anything to go by, Jack and the Beanstalk (running December 30th 2025 to January 18th 2026) is going to be another hit. Don’t miss out—book your tickets now!
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