Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York was our first panto of the season, and what a way to kick things off. Pantos are a big part of our family Christmas, and this one reminded us exactly why. It’s glittering, funny and pun-packed, with an excellent script, catchy songs and a good dose of audience participation.

Sparkling hats off to whoever cast this year’s actors – they’re fantastic. Lisa George makes a brilliant Fairy Godmother, and the young audience were obviously charmed by Rachel Grundy’s Cinderella. Tobias Turley’s Prince Charming plays the handsome royal role perfectly, and Buttons (Jimmy Bryant) keeps the laughs coming throughout.

But the stand-out stars of the night are undoubtedly the Ugly Sisters. West End drag performers Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson are a riot from start to finish and light up every scene. Their outrageous costumes, razor-sharp comedy and pitch-perfect timing meant they had the audience, young and old, in their gloved hands. They’re wicked, wonderful and unforgettable, and we hope this isn’t the last we see of them! There’s no shortage of cheeky innuendos sprinkled through the script, but thankfully they fly straight over the heads of younger audience members, keeping everything firmly family-friendly. There’s even a brief appearance from some miniature ponies! The songs, based on tracks we all knew, were a huge hit too. Our kids were singing them all the way home and still chatting about their favourite funny bits the next morning.

If you’re looking for a fun night out with your family this Christmas, Cinderella ticks all the boxes. Get your tickets before the clock strikes midnight!

Cinderella runs at the Grand Opera House York until 4th January 2026.