The King's Head Theatre's family panto will bring a sprinkling of stardust to Islington this festive season.
Cinderella will see the usual comedy, slapstick, singalongs and romance, but Cinders' dress will be co- designed by Dame Zandra Rhodes, and Dame Judi Dench and Miriam Margolyes have lent their voices as narrator and wicked stepmother respectively.
The show is a collaboration with the nearby Little Angel Theatre, so puppets are guaranteed, as is the appearance of Drag Race UK star Ella Vaday as an ugly stepsister.
And for a series of adult only performances there will be some naughty innuendo and swearing, with one-off performances by special guest stars who have their own featured number as the entertainment at the Prince's Ball.
West End star Cassidy Janson, Drag Race UK’s Vinegar Strokes, Six alumnae Danielle Steers, musical theatre legend John Owen-Jones, drag diva Trevor Ashley, and artist Christina Bianco, are all slated to appear with dates and booking at kingsheadtheatre.com.
We quizzed writer, director Andrew Pollard, a previous winner of Best Ugly Sister at the British Panto Awards, on his local knowledge:
Q: How does the script draw on Islington and its history?
A: The whole show is set around the old Sadler’s Wells. Not the theatre but the original wells where people came to take the waters. They eventually became a pleasure garden in the 1600’s. So, in our story Cinderella’s father is Mr Sadler!
Q: Cinders does go to the ball but at what Islington nightspot would you be most likely to meet a Prince?
A: Our prince likes to go incognito and kick back so probably The Old Queen’s Head! Great vibe, cocktails and karaoke!
Q: In the show the ugly sisters are called Dalston and Peckham but what are the most beautiful bits of Islington?
A: We are rehearsing in the fabulous St Mary’s Church. (Thank you St Mary’s!) which is one of the nicest rehearsal rooms I’ve ever been in.
Q: If the Prince and Cinders were going on a date, where would you recommend and why?
A: Tofu Vegan. They do a lovely pumpkin dish!
Q: Cinders and the Prince are going to need a wedding cake but what’s your favourite bakery in the area?
A: Gails! They do a mean croissant.
Q: Give us a fascinating fact about Islington
A: It was the home of the great Joseph Grimaldi, the greatest clown and pantomime performer Britain ever produced.
Q: Any good jokes in the show you can share?
A: You’ll have to come and see the panto! Oh, yes, you will!
Cinderella runs at The King's Head Theatre, Islington Square, from 30 November to 5 January.
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