The theatre has announced casting for its annual pantomime which will play at the Hackney Empire from the 18th November until the 31st December. 

Susie McKenna and Steve Edis reunite once again to create the Hackney Empire’s 2017 pantomime that is set to star Aisha Jawando in the title role.

She will be joined on stage by Hackney Empire pantomime legends Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters, Peter Straker (Hair, Tommy) as Baron Hardup, Darren Hart as Buttons and writer and director Susie McKenna as the Wicked Stepmother.

The production will also see Stephane Anelli (Saturday Night Fever, Singing in the Rain) as Dandini and Chris Jenkins (Billy Elliot, War of the Worlds) as Prince Charming making their Hackney Empire debuts. Sharon D Clarke and Clarke Peters will star as the voices of Duchess and Duke Mouse.

Casting for the production is completed by  Chloe Ames, Thomas Audibert, Andrew Carthy, Raffaella Covino, Sinead Long and Dale White.

Marking their 19th pantomime at the Hackney Empire, Cinderella is written and directed by Susie McKenna with original music by Steven Edis. Meanwhile, the production will also feature production design by Lotte Collett, lighting design by Paul Anderson, sound design by Adam Fisher and choreography by Richard Roe.

Cheer on our spirited heroine as she searches for love in spite of the exploits of her hideous Ugly Sisters and evil Stepmother, throw in a pair of singing mice, a magical Fairy Godmother, the sparkle of glass slippers with glittering sets, big song and dance numbers, slapstick comedy and a flying horse and you have the perfect Christmas family treat for the festive season.

So don’t delay, dust off your best frock and book your tickets today – it takes the Ugly Sisters a whole year to get ready for a big night!

Cinderella will play at the Hackney Empire from the 18th November until the 31st December. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella/