Cinderella

This is an interesting year for the Hackney panto: 2025 marks its first Cinderella since legendary dame Clive Rowe took over its running. Okay, that’s not remarkable in and of itself but purist that he is, London’s greatest dame has always made it his policy to never perform in productions of the beloved rags to riches story, adamant that there’s not actually a dame role in it. And so it goes again: Rowe will simply direct, though there will be a familiar face in the form of affable Hackney panto stalwart Kat B, who will play one of the Ugly Sisters alongside George Heyworth, aka one half of cabaret legends Bourgeois & Maurice. Although Rowe often took the odd year off when Susie McKenna ran the panto, since he’s been in charge it’s felt like it’s essentially been a one-man-show. This could be the opportunity for the rest of it to breathe, though it’ll surely miss his outrageous outifts, megawatt charisma and weapons-grade singing voice.