The Roles

THE ROLES

A NOTE ABOUT THE ROLES

The playing ages below are approximate and are about the age a character appears to be, rather than necessarily the performer's actual age.

Some roles can also be played more flexibly than their traditional casting suggests. We’re interested in finding the right people for the characters, so don't rule yourself out just because you don't fit a traditional pantomime stereotype.

CINDERELLA

Female role • Playing age: late teens–30s

Our heroine.

Kind-hearted but not a pushover, Cinderella is at the centre of the story. She needs to carry the audience through the more heartfelt moments as well as the comedy.

A role requiring strong acting, singing and the ability to connect with the audience.

PRINCE CHARMING

Male role • Playing age: late teens–30s

The Prince everyone is waiting for.

Charming, confident and romantic, but with plenty of opportunity for comedy along the way.

A good stage presence is important, along with singing and the ability to play both the romantic and comic sides of the character.

DANDINI

Principal Boy role • Playing age: 20s–40s

The Prince's loyal companion and the person who gets caught up in rather more chaos than he probably expected.

Dandini is a lively, comic role with plenty of interaction and opportunities to make the character your own. There is some singing. Be warned – they may get messy!

This is a principal boy role and could be played by either a male or female performer.

FAIRY GODMOTHER

Female role • Playing age: 30+

Magical, warm and larger than life.

Our Fairy Godmother has the opportunity to bring a real sense of magic to the production, while still joining in with the comedy. She has a song, but it can be speak-sung.

A confident performer with good audience connection would suit this role.

BUTTONS

Male role • Playing age: teens–30s

Cinderella's friend and chief supporter.

Buttons is energetic, cheeky and very much on the audience's side.

This role has plenty of audience interaction and comic opportunities, as well as some more heartfelt moments, including singing.

Someone who enjoys connecting directly with an audience would be ideal.

THE UGLY SISTERS

Two Dame roles • Playing age: 20+

The larger-than-life stars of the show who absolutely know they deserve to be the centre of attention.

The Sisters are classic pantomime comedy characters: outrageous, ridiculous and gloriously over the top.

These are big comedy roles with lots of audience interaction, physical comedy and opportunities to play with the audience. They have a duet together, but can be played for laughs.

The roles are traditionally played by men as pantomime dames, but either or both roles can be played by female performers too.

THE STEPMOTHER

Female role / Dame opportunity • Playing age: 30+

Cinderella's wicked Stepmother.

She is the villain of our story, but that doesn't mean she can't be funny too.

A strong character role with plenty of attitude, stage presence and opportunities to play the villain while still keeping the audience entertained.

The role is written as a female character but can also be approached as a Dame role.

YOUNGER CAST

Ages 5+

We're looking for younger performers to help bring the magical world of Cinderella to life.

There may be opportunities for children to take part in:
• Singing and movement
• Palace/village scenes
• Magical scenes
• Smaller character roles with lines, depending on age and suitability, such as frogs, mice, royal servants.

The younger cast will be an important part of creating the busy, colourful world of our pantomime.