Don't miss Cinderella at Bristol Old Vic this Christmas
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Forget everything you thought you knew about glass slippers and pumpkin carriages. This Christmas, Bristol Old Vic is giving one of the world’s best-loved fairytales a wonderfully playful makeover.
Sally Cookson and Adam Peck’s much-loved Cinderella: A Fairytale returns to Bristol for the festive season, re-imagined for 2026 by director Lisa Gregan. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm story, expect live music, larger-than-life characters, modern mischief and plenty of Christmas magic.
A Fresh Twist on a Fairytale Favourite
At the centre of the story is Ella, a free-spirited young woman grieving the loss of her mother. Her escape is the woodland surrounding her home, where she finds comfort among the trees and the birds roosting in their branches.
But when Ella’s father remarries, her world is turned upside down by a Stepmother and some seriously unpleasant new relations. Before long, her feathered friends seem like the only family she has left.
Then a mysterious boy wanders into her woodland hideaway. He loves birdwatching too and, rather conveniently, he’s carrying an invitation to the Royal Ball.
Could things finally be looking up?
Not if Ella’s scheming Stepmother has anything to do with it.
Meet Bristol’s new Ella
Taking centre stage as Ella is Joëlle Brabban, making her Bristol Old Vic debut. An accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist as well as an actor, Brabban’s credits include The Rivals, Little Women, War Horse and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.
Her birdwatching Prince is played by Joseph Langdon and his return to Bristol Old Vic is something of a homecoming.
Langdon first discovered his love of acting through the theatre’s Engagement team before training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He has since appeared in West End productions including The Seagull, Cyrano de Bergerac and Equus, alongside work at the National Theatre.
Local stars step into the spotlight
There’s a strong Bristol flavour to this year’s company.
Performer, singer and writer Dionne Draper, one of the city’s best-known creative voices, plays the Queen, while Bristol-based actor-musician Guy Hughes takes on the role of Ella’s obnoxious Stepbrother.
Harry Miller brings his trademark musicianship to proceedings as Master of Ceremonies and musician, reuniting with composer Alex Heane, who appears on stage as Musical Director.
Completing Ella’s troublesome new family are Cathy Walker as the deliciously scheming Stepmother and Daisy Ann Fletcher as the spiteful Stepsister.
Music, mischief and a little magic
For director Lisa Gregan, it’s the energy of the ensemble that promises to make this Cinderella sparkle.
“We’ve brought together an extraordinary group of performers, including some fantastic local talent,” she says, promising a production bursting with “warmth, humour and creativity” and, crucially, plenty of “joy, music and magic”.
A festive fairytale made for Bristol
Birds, ballrooms, wicked schemes, live music and an unconventional Prince – this is Cinderella, but perhaps not quite as you remember it.
For families discovering Bristol Old Vic for the first time and those for whom a trip to the theatre is already a Christmas tradition, Cinderella: A Fairytale is a warm-hearted festive adventure made especially for Bristol.
CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE at Bristol Old Vic, 27 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 get your tickets now at