Full cast revealed for Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre

The cast for the Epstein Theatre’s Christmas panto, Cinderella, has been revealed.

Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn has already been announced as the fairytale heroine.

She is joined live on the Epstein stage by panto royalty Leanne Campbell, returning by popular demand, who will be waving her magic wand over the Regal Entertainments Ltd show as the Fairy Godmother.

And the One Show and BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala will play Buttons.

They will appear in the greatest fairytale of them all alongside Conor Barrie as Dandini, Michael Nelson as the Prince, and Shania Pain and Brenda LaBeau who play Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters.

Cinderella runs from Friday, 5 December to Sunday, 4 January 2026 at the historic Grade II listed theatre.

Beloved by generations as the greatest fairytale of them all, Regal Entertainments Ltd’s smash hit production of the classic tale promises marvellous magical moments along with spectacular costumes and set, brilliant choreography and a host of singalong tunes to get you up out of your seat.

Cinderella tells the story of a beautiful girl reduced to a life of servitude by her two ugly stepsisters. But when an invitation arrives for a grand ball at the palace, it seems all that could be about to change. With a bit of magic, and help from her loyal friend Buttons, Cinderella is transformed into the belle of the ball. But what will happen when the clock strikes midnight?

Katie McGlynn is best known for playing Sinead Tinker in ITV’s Coronation Street, winning a National Television Award for best serial drama performance in 2020. She then went on to play Becky in Hollyoaks for Channel 4 and recently appeared as Georgina in Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate for BBC One.

Meanwhile the panto’s Fairy Godmother Leanne Campbell needs no introduction to Liverpool panto audiences.

Buttons is played by TV and West End star Kevin Duala who has more than three decades of broadcasting experience.

Conor Barrie appears as Dandini. Liverpool Theatre School graduate Conor returns to the panto stage after playing the same role in Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal at Easter.

The Prince is played by Michael Nelson. Mountview Academy-trained actor Michael’s stage credits include Henry in the UK tour of & Juliet, Eddie in Mamma Mia! in the West End and on the UK and International tour and much more.

And taking on the roles of the Ugly Sisters are two of the North West’s leading and hugely popular drag performers, Shania Pain and Brenda LaBeau.

Meanwhile Brenda LaBeau has been a staple on the Liverpool drag scene for more than 15 years and has also travelled the country performing for hundreds of thousands of people and working with drag superstars including Divina DeCampo, Myra Dubois, La Voix and The Vivienne. Brenda was also on ITV’s X Factor and got to boot camp and performed at Wembley Arena.

This is Brenda’s first family pantomime.

Cinderella is directed by Chantelle Joseph, with choreography from Nazene Langfield. Musical supervisor is Callum Clarke.

The Christmas pantomime forms part of the historic venue’s inaugural autumn season after it reopened its doors earlier this year, and which features a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.

Chantelle Joseph of Regal Entertainments Ltd said:

“I’m very excited to return to the Epstein Theatre this Christmas to spread some seasonal joy in the greatest fairytale of them all.

“I’m also thrilled our Cinderella has such a stellar cast of talented performers, led by Katie McGlynn, Leanne Campbell and Kevin Duala, and I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room now to create a truly magical show for Liverpool family audiences in the wonderful and atmospheric Epstein auditorium.”