What can audiences expect from this version of Cinderella? 

A proper festive feel-good story - and a twist on the traditional fairytale! 

You’ll meet a Cinderella who’s a bit different. In this production, Ella is tough, sparky, determined and runs her family farm almost single handedly. Think less singing sweetly to the birds and more jumping in muddy puddles with her best pal Jake the dog.  

There is no fairy godmother to solve all her problems – but there is buckets of magic in the form of mega costumes, quirky farm animal friends, exciting set, and a brilliant story full of adventure, laughs, and fun.   

Not to mention some wicked original songs composed by the brilliant Bay Bryan and Claire O'Connor (Rogue Note) that will wiggle into your ears and have you singing all the way home. Performed live my an uber talented company of actor-musicians. Oh, I can’t wait! 

What messages or feelings do you want audiences to take home with them after watching the show? 

That kindness and generosity will ALWAYS triumph over selfishness and cruelty. To treasure those who are important to you. To seize each day, try to be a little bit bolder and a little bit braver. That love always wins!  

Growing up you attended the Dukes Young Company, how does it feel to return and direct Cinderella? 

It’s amazing! Regional theatres like The Dukes have always been essential to inspiring future generations of artists and theatre makers. It did so for me - I came to see The Snow Queen with my family in 2003 and joined the Young Company not long after. It’s a bit special to have the opportunity to make a Christmas production that might spark the imagination and interest of young audiences today.  

What has been especially lovely is to return and work alongside people who I encountered when participating here many moons ago. The whole production team at The Dukes are fantastic, but special shout out to Rachel Daniels, the designer of Cinderella, who I first met when she designed some of our Young Company productions, and who it’s been a joy to collaborate with.  

What are the challenges you face when directing a show in The Round theatre? 

Did you know when am audience watch a piece of theatre, their heartbeats synchronise? That collective experience of engaging with a story, as a group, without screens, is why theatre is so important. For me, telling stories in the round only enhances that magic experience! By surrounding the stage, the audience almost become a part of the story themselves, there is no separation between you and the actors on stage, it can be electric! 

My job is to make sure everyone in the audience has something to focus on – in the round, this will always be a bit different depending on where you’re sitting. No two audience members will have the same view.  

In the show we see Ella learn to believe in herself and her own magic, what makes you believe in your own magic? 

That’s a toughie. It can be hard to believe in yourself. I was never very good at that in school. I’m not always very good at that now! However, once upon a time someone gave me some great advice - don’t miss out on things because you’re scared, say yes to them despite being scared!! Since I’ve been doing that, I’ve kept on surprising myself and learning what I’m capable of.  

In my times of doubt, it’s my nearest and dearest who keep me going always.  A good pair of funky trousers and some stompy shoes help too.   

Finally, we see families come to the Dukes every year to watch our Christmas shows, do you have any Christmas traditions you find yourself doing each year? 

My family go to the Gregson on Christmas Eve to join in the carol singing. We’ve been doing that since I can remember. It’s a lovely thing, and a great way to catch-up with those special people who have known you the whole of your life!