First look at cast of Cinderella at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Christmas has arrived at Shakespeare North Playhouse, and today the first glimpse of the cast on stage of the enchanting fairytale Cinderella can be revealed.

The very special seasonal show bewitched family audiences over its opening performances. It now runs at the award-winning Prescot theatre until 10 January 2026.

Tia Larsen plays the title role in the fairytale adventure which has been given a very special Prescot twist in this heartwarming new adaptation by writer Nick Lane – his third Christmas production for the venue.

She is joined on stage in Shakespeare North’s atmospheric and intimate Cockpit Theatre by Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt.

In the Kingdom of Prescotisia lives a young woman called Cinderella, whose world is turned upside down when her beloved mother suddenly disappears, and her father remarries. Even worse, it turns out Cinders’ new stepmother, Filania, is awful – and so are her two dreadful daughters!

When Prince Flarf of Crosbinia decides to throw a huge party, they are determined to be celebrated as the belles of the ball while Cinderella is left home alone.

But all is not lost because happily, help is at hand in the form of Fairy 23780, better known as Mandy, who is fresh from Fairy Godmother school and excited to be able to assist Cinderella to find her missing mum AND win the heart of the handsome prince to boot. Or rather, glass slipper.

Cinderella is packed with magical moments, favourite tunes, lots of laughs and an uplifting message about family, friendship and self-discovery, making this new production the perfect family show for the festive season.

Tia Larsen returns to the stage at Shakespeare North after appearing as swing in Alice in Wonderland last Christmas, where the versatile and talented young actor – who by day works as a member of the front of house team – impressed audiences and critics alike, performing a variety of key roles during the run.

Emma Grace Arends plays Mandy the Fairy, Emma Bispham is Filania, Prince Flarf is played by Thomas Cotran, who appeared in Nick Lane and Elizabeth Godber’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (More or Less) at Prescot earlier this year, Elliott Kingsley is King Dean and Charlie Mae McKevitt makes her Prospero Place debut as walking understudy.

All other roles are played by members of the cast.

Cinderella is directed by Nicole Behan, Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Paperwork Theatre, who returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse for a second Christmas after acting as Associate Director for last season’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

Assistant director is Kate Treadell, while the creative team also includes Abigail Middleton as movement director and choreographer and Rob Green as composer and musical director, with set and costumes by Chloe Wynn and sound design from Ernest Acquah.

Cinderella is produced by Shakespeare North Playhouse and is the Prescot theatre’s fourth Christmas show since it opened its doors in July 2022.

Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said today:

“What a fantastic and joyful opening weekend in our Cockpit Theatre space. Our first audiences have absolutely loved Cinderella, and watching young theatregoers being beguiled by the enchanting world of conjured by our wonderful cast is what Christmas – and live performance – is all about.

“Nick Lane has created yet another delightfully witty and entertaining Christmas treat, while Tia Larsen is perfect as the heroine at the heart of what continues to be the greatest fairytale of them all. I know theatre lovers of all ages are going to enjoy a magical and memorable experience at Shakespeare North Playhouse this season.”

For more information or to book tickets, visit the Shakespeare North Playhouse website.

Find out what else is on in & around Liverpool this Christmas here. 

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