Octagon Theatre announce stellar line-up for festive show Cinderella: A Fairytale

The cast has been announced for Octagon Theatre Bolton’s festive production, Cinderella: A Fairytale, which will be directed by Sarah Punshon, who makes a welcome return to the theatre following her acclaimed work on Peter Pan (2021) and The Jungle Book (2024). This new stage production is being created by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company with music and lyrics by Benji Bower and the Original Company.

Bringing this well-loved classic bang up to date, the stand-out cast includes Elliot Parchment-Morrison (A Matter of Life and Death, New Vic Theatre; The History Boys, Bath Theatre Royal), Purvi Parmar (A Christmas Carol, Claybody Theatre; Twelfth Night, Shakespeare North), Timothy Mylechreest (In League With The Devil, Arcola Theatre; Frankenstein, RDC), Michael Hugo (Pinocchio, Hull Truck; Alice In Wonderland, New Vic Theatre), George Bury (A Permanent State of Emergency, Hope Mill Theatre, Cinderella, Trinity Arts Centre) and and Millicent Short (The Lightening Thief, Leeds Conservatoire; Into the Woods, Leeds Conservatoire).

Completing the cast is our lead, Ella played by Eve Pereira who previously appeared at the Octagon in Pride and Prejudice. Other credits include Robin Hood at The Dukes and The Snow Queen at The Albany.

This new take on the classic fairy tale, first made famous in the early 19th century by the Brothers Grimm and later in the 1950s with Walt Disney’s animated film version, brings the story right up to date in a version that will delight children and adults alike.

When Ella’s father remarries, her world turns upside down. She escapes from her horrible new family by spending time in the woods, surrounded by her friends, the birds. But when she bumps into a mysterious bird-loving boy and she gets an invitation to the Royal Ball, everything changes…

Director Sarah Punshon said:

“I’m so excited to have secured such a fabulous cast and can’t wait to get started with them. I’ve loved this delightful script ever since I saw the original Bristol production more than ten years ago. I’m thrilled we’re getting to work with Benji Bower’s original music, which he is specially rewriting and recording for us. This version of Cinderella is so funny, heartfelt, and magical, I know audiences are going to love it..”

Cinderella: A Fairytale plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Sat 9 Jan 2027. Tickets are available here.