Excitement building as classic love story transported to city

SPRING may barely have sprung but Exeter Northcott Theatre is already excited about this year’s panto. After the huge successes of the last two shows, Robin Hood and Dick Whittington, the theatre is again teaming up with local theatre company Le Navet Bete to present a modern take on the classic story of Cinderella.

In a plot to overthrow the kingdom, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother has cast eternal winter over Exeter.

Advised by the mysterious sage, the prince throws a spectacular ball to save his kingdom.

Will Cinderella be able to break free and go to the ball with the help of her trusty sidekicks Buttons and Poppers?

Will her fairy godmother find the time to sprinkle some magic in between all her costume changes? And, in the end, will true love conquer all?

Martin Berry, creative director and joint chief executive of Exeter Northcott, said: “We are working hard to make this year’s panto the biggest and most sparkly yet!

“Cinderella is being written especially for our audiences, by the Northcott team and the brilliant Le Navet Bete, so there is no doubt it will be a lot of fun for everyone.

“Set right here in the glorious city of Exeter, we are making a show that speaks to modern audiences while delivering the traditions we all know and love for all the family.

“I am also thrilled to say that Cinderella is just one of several exciting new projects we have planned to make and share theatre that is made right here in Exeter.”

Al Dunn, from Le Navet Bete, added: “We are delighted to once again be teaming up with Exeter Northcott to create a brand new modern panto.

“As with all of Le Navet Bete’s work, we will champion collaboration with the Northcott creatives and all of their people behind the scenes to make something truly memorable – a version of Cinderella that celebrates Exeter!”

Tickets are on general sale now at exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/cinderella.

Cinderella runs from November 28 to January 2025. Early birds get £2 off until the May on any performance between November 28 and December 19, plus the captioned performance on January 3 at 2pm.