Review of magical Kettering Lighthouse panto bringing Cinderella to stage with festive gags, ghastly hags and riches from rags
First dear reader, let me assure you there is a happy ending at Kettering Lighthouse Theatre’s panto Cinderella – and I don’t think that’s a plot spoiler.
It’s the romping way that story of the ever after is reached that is the joy of any panto, but this year’s festive Kettering offering is an extra sparkling spectacular.
With pyrotechnics and special effects by Burnt Toast SFX on board there’s a stunning surprise for us – and heroine Cinders – as she travels to the royal ball.
Kind-hearted Cinderella (delightful and smiling Maisie Asbury) dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her wonderfully wicked stepsisters Tess (Michael Loftus) and Claudia (Dominic Mattos) (boo!) who have more amazing frocks than their Strictly namesakes.
Luckily, Cinderella has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons (Sean ‘Rollo’ Rollason) to brighten her days.
And it’s Rollason’s Buttons who pulls the whole show together – he sings, he dances, he cracks jokes, and performs an extremely funny ventriloquist act with one inadvertent member of the cast (take a bow Matt Taylor).
Dashing boy band-wannabes Prince Charming (Daniel Breakwell) and his best mate the dancing Dandini (Jon-Scott Clark), bump into Cinderella – helped by the with a wave of the Fairy Godmother’s (Jessie Waterfield) wand ands the path of true love is set.
With superb support from the ensemble players and junior cast members, this panto is an in-your-face, non-stop rollicking showpiece with sparkles, sequins, songs, and audience participation is genuinely fun for all the family.
There’s ridiculous showpiece slapstick classics, corny jokes, and even a beautifully delivered ‘word from our sponsor’ Wilson Browne Solicitors.
KD Theatre Productions, has delivered a fun-filled experience with plenty of laughs, top-notch professional performers, stunning sets, and lavish costumes.
Even if you’ve booed and cheered your way through decades of pantos, this production of Cinderella will have you smiling from start to finish.
Cinderella is on at the Lighthouse Theatre, Thurston Drive NN15 6PB until New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, December 31, 2025)
For tickets that start at £20, go to https://lighthousetheatre.co.uk/event/cinderella/ .