We chatted to Alex about starring in the Theatre Royal Stratford East’s 2022 Pantomime Cinderella.
Hi Alex, how does it feel to be part of this production of Cinderella? Hi Love London Love Culture! I’m delighted to be a part of this production. The cast and company
have been amazing to work with. I feel very lucky to be here!
This isn’t going to be a typical production of the classic fairytale – so what can audiences expect? You’re right! The Stratford East panto always has something up its sleeve – this year we’re setting theshow in Ancient Egypt…or is it Egypt Las Vegas? With some colours and flavours of the amazing diversity of East London?! You’ll have to find out. And with Leo Butler’s script, we have our own take on the Cinderella story for audiences to enjoy too.
What was it in particular that made you want to be involved with this pantomime? Stratford East is one of the most exciting theatres in the country producing work – and the panto is famous for being brilliant. I jumped at the opportunity.
Pantos are of course an important part of celebrating the festive season but why do you think that is in your view? The festive season is about coming together with people you love and celebrating one another within our communities, and theatre is a wonderful shared community experience – the two marry perfectly. Also pantomimes are sometimes a person’s only experience of theatre or maybe that performance is someone’s first ever experience of theatre. As someone who loves theatre and loves to entertain, it’s a honour to be part of that for someone!
How does it feel to be performing at the Theatre Royal Stratford East? We haven’t started performing yet but I can’t wait to get onstage in front of that beautiful chocolate box an auditorium and tell our story.
What are you most looking forward to about bringing this production to the stage? I get the chance to be Caesar and lead 10000 soldiers into battle every performance – that’s going to be fun!
By Emma Clarendon
Cinderella continues to play at the Theatre Royal Stratford East until the 7th January 2023.