Cinderella revealed as The Witham’s 2026 panto

Panto fans shall go to the ball this year as Cinderella comes to The Witham.

Perhaps the most famous panto story of all, the classic tale of glass slippers, fairy godmothers and ugly sisters is back in Barney – with some familiar faces in the cast.

This time last year, Charlotte Hugill was preparing for her first starring role at The Witham in Snow White.

Now she’s back as Cinderella, digging into some childhood memories as she prepares for the role.

“Cinderella is something I watched a lot as a child,” she said.

“I used to have it on VHS, which is a bit of a throwback.

“Last year with Snow White was just magical, especially at the kids’ shows.

“The noise they brought just blew me away.”

Two of last year’s co-stars, Eleanor Alderson and Phil Hoyes, are also back for 2026 – albeit in contrasting roles.

Eleanor has gone from Wicked Witch to Fairy Godmother, while Phil is swapping the “goody-goody” dame for one of the ugly sisters.

“We’re going to be the most evil ugly sisters that Barnard Castle has ever had,” he promised.

“We’re just going to be so nasty to Cinderella and try to get as many boos as we can!”

He’s joined by Witham rookie Dale Ibbetson.

“Phil and I share accommodation each year, so it’s nice to be working with someone I know off stage,” he said.

“We’ve both played an ugly sister a few times before, but never together, so I’m looking forward to that chemistry.”

Harry Privett (Prince Charming) and Liam McGrath (Buttons) were enjoying their first look at Barnard Castle, having arrived in town just hours before the panto launch.

“Even in that short space of time everyone has been absolutely lovely,” said Liam.

“Even just people you pass on the street, they stop and say hello and it’s a really nice atmosphere.

“I can’t wait to see what it’s like when we get to panto season.”

Taking on perhaps the quintessential panto is a thrill, but it brings its own responsibilities.

“Panto is the first experience of live theatre for a lot of children,” Harry added.

“We get to be a part of that, which is very exciting.

“Everyone knows the story, everyone knows the panto classics and gets involved.

“But there are people in that audience for the first time who are just learning the dialogue and getting to shout it out for the first time.

“That’s an incredible thing.”

Cinderella is at The Witham from December 14-24.

Performances on December 14-16 are for schools. Then from 6.30pm on December 18 its open to all, with two performances on most days through to Christmas eve.