Traditional family pantomime returns to Preston this Christmas as Cinderella comes to the Preston Guild Lounge from Wednesday 16 to Thursday 31 December 2026.
The classic fairytale will feature a distinctly local twist, blending timeless festive magic, music, and comedy with plenty of Preston-specific humour and audience participation.
Cinderella follows the familiar story of a young woman dreaming of escaping her wicked stepmother and ghastly stepsisters. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella gets the chance to attend the spectacular Guild Lounge Ball, where she hopes her dreams might finally come true.
But with the clock ticking towards midnight, there is a very Preston problem to solve: will Cinderella make it home in time or be left waiting for the last bus from Preston Bus Station?
The production marks the return of traditional family pantomime to Preston Guild Lounge, bringing a festive theatrical experience back to the city for families to enjoy together.
Cinderella is produced by Initiate Theatre Ltd, a professional theatre and education company based in Preston, which is led by Preston-born Artistic and Managing Director Andrew Sumner, who was recently recognised as the 'Arts & Culture Hero' at the inaugural βProud Prestonβ awards for his contributions to the city's theatre and education scene.
The production features Tegan Shaw as Cinderella and Leon Norfolk as Prince Charming with the cast and creative team bringing their own connections to Preston and the wider Lancashire area to the production.
Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:
Itβs fantastic to see traditional family pantomime returning to the Guild Lounge at Preston Guild Hall this Christmas. Cinderella will bring plenty of magic, laughter and festive fun to Preston, and Iβm sure families will love having panto back in the heart of the city.
βPantomime is such an important part of the Christmas tradition, bringing families and communities together, and Iβm delighted that audiences in Preston and across Lancashire can enjoy that experience once again right here in the city.
With dazzling costumes, catchy songs, comedy, magic and plenty of audience participation, Cinderella promises a festive treat for audiences of all ages.
Cinderella runs at The Guild Lounge, Preston Guild Hall, from Wednesday 16 to Thursday 31 December 2026.Tickets start at just Β£13.50, with family and school prices available.
To book visit www.guildhallpreston.co.uk