The Corn Exchange has just announced the casting for this year’s pantomime Cinderella, which will run from November 26 to January 2.

Writers Plested and Brown say, “We have a confession… Cinderella is our favorite panto; let’s face it, the godfather (or the fairy godmother) of all pantomimes! This year, we’ve put together a magical cast for you that brings you comedy, songs to tap your feet, and lots of improv surprises! Come join the panto gang … time is running out and there is a magical Christmas party! ‘

Chloe Gentles, who recently appeared in the UK and on Mamma Mia’s international tour! and who previously starred in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and the Avenue Q UK Tour, will play the title role of Cinderella.

From last year’s Aladdin comes William Beckerleg, whose credits include Madagascar National Tours and Summer Holiday. He will play Prince Charming.

Susan Harrison is also back. She has thrilled audiences as Aladdin’s loyal canine sidekick, Wishee Washee, and is back to give audiences plenty of opportunities to boo and whistle as she plays one of the half-sisters. Susan is a regular performer with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and appeared in Mischief Movie Night and Peter Pan Goes Wrong. She will team up with fellow Showstopper team member Ali James, who appeared on the UK tour of Tell Me on a Sunday and as Cathy in the Buxton Opera House production of The Last 5 Years.

Everybody Loves a Lady and Justin Brett joins the company as Henrietta Hardup, having previously played Johnny Cash in the West End production of the Million Dollar Quartet and performing regularly with Showstopper! The improvised musical.

Jade Johnson, who previously starred in Book of Mormon, will spread some magic as the fairy and Billy Roberts, who was on the Nativity the Musical UK tour, play Prince Charming’s loyal servant.

The cast is rounded out by Jordan Benjamin, who just finished starring in the London production of Hairspray, and Rachel Breeze, who starred in Ben Forster’s The Best of the West End earlier this year.

Aladdin is written and directed by the Plested and Brown comedy writers team (Clare Plested, Adam Brown, and Amanda Wilsher). They’ve had Newbury audiences for the past couple of years with their new take on the traditional pantomime stories Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin. 2020’s Aladdin was created to operate under Covid regulations, and while a level 4 upgrade for Berkshire meant it had to close early, a filmed version meant audiences could still enjoy the pantomime during the holiday season, although from their living room.

Dai Watts as Music Supervisor, Jordan Paul Clarke as Music Director and Holly Hughes as Choreographer join Plested and Brown in the creative team.

Corn Exchange Director Katy Griffiths said: “Pantomime is such a magical time of year for everyone at Corn Exchange. Plested & Brown have really gone out of their way this year, and with an amazing cast to match. , I know visitors of all ages will have a blast (!) with us at Cinderella this year. ‘

Cinderella will be sold at full capacity but there will be a socially distanced performance every week. www.cornexchangenew.com