West End stars – Tobias Turley and Rachel Grundy join an all-star magical cast in York’s biggest Christmas show

Grand Opera House’s Cinderella promises magic, music and mayhem in a world-class festive spectacular!

York’s most magical festive tradition is back – and it’s bigger, bolder and more star-studded than ever. Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York is set to be the city’s biggest Christmas show, boasting dazzling casting, glittering production values and a laugh-a-minute script. Today, producers UK Productions and the Grand Opera House proudly unveil two new additions to the glittering cast, breakout star of ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, Tobias Turley, will play Prince Charming and musical star Rachel Grundy completes the line up as Cinderella running from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.

Tobias rose to national fame as the winner of ITV’s hit show in 2023, where he captivated audiences with his charisma and commanding vocal performances. Since then, he’s gone on to light up stages in Mamma Mia! The Musical, Heathers, Hot Mess and West Side Story. Now, he’s bringing his velvet voice and romantic flair to the heart of York for a festive performance that promises to sweep audiences off their feet. Tobias said: “I’m really looking forward to stepping into the role of Prince Charming in York this Christmas. It’s a fantastic story, and I can’t wait to be part of the fun and festive magic of panto season.”

Taking on the role of Cinderella is Rachel Grundy, an acclaimed musical theatre performer whose credits span the West End and major UK tours. Known for her vocal power and stage charm, Rachel has played iconic roles such as Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Brooke in Legally Blonde: The Musical, and Dinah in Starlight Express. Her Cinderella is set to bring a mix of modern sparkle and heartfelt storytelling to the classic fairytale heroine. Rachel said, “I’m over the moon to be playing Cinderella in York this Christmas! Panto season is always such a magical time, and it’s a dream come true to don the glass slippers in such a stunning city. I’ll be sweeping from the Shambles to the stage – and I can’t wait to bring some sparkle to the beautiful Grand Opera House!”

But Tobias and Rachel aren’t the only theatrical royalty gracing the stage this year.  At the heart of the magic is Lisa George, one of Britain’s most recognisable and best-loved television stars, best known for her decade-long portrayal of the beloved Beth Tinker in Coronation Street. With a fanbase spanning generations and a talent that bridges drama, comedy and song, Lisa brings a unique blend of familiarity and flair to the Grand Opera House stage this Christmas.

Taking on the role of the Fairy Godmother, Lisa is poised to sprinkle her own brand of stardust over Cinderella, casting spells, commanding laughs, and guiding our heroine on her journey to the ball. With her trademark warmth, commanding stage presence and twinkle-in-the-eye mischief, Lisa is the perfect choice to embody this iconic role, equal parts maternal, magical and mischievous.

Beyond the cobbles of Weatherfield, Lisa’s theatrical roots run deep. A gifted musical theatre performer and trained singer, she’s no stranger to the stage, having begun her career in live performance. Whether delivering a heartfelt moment or raising the roof with a rousing number, she brings an authenticity and vocal prowess that elevates every scene she touches. Add to that her impeccable comic timing, honed through years of bringing humour and humanity to one of soap’s most colourful characters – and you have a Fairy Godmother destined to delight.

Expect glamour, wit and unforgettable stage presence as Lisa leads this year’s Cinderella with grace, gusto and just the right amount of glitter. It’s a performance set to enchant audiences and remind everyone that with a little magic (and a lot of sparkle!), dreams really do come true.

No pantomime is complete without a healthy dose of mischief, and this production is positively brimming with it. Jimmy Bryant, one of the UK’s top comedy performers, will be bringing buckets of warmth, cheek, and infectious energy as the ever-lovable Buttons. A favourite with pantomime audiences nationwide, Jimmy’s unique style of comedy and connection with young audiences make him the perfect host for the ball.

Finally, but by no means least, stealing scenes (and shoes) are the Ugly Sisters, played with outrageous flair, sky-high heels and industrial-strength hairspray by West End drag superstars Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson. These two masters of mischief are bringing a double dose of diva energy to York, armed with cutting one-liners, scandalous shade, and a wardrobe so fierce it should come with flashing lights and a fire hazard warning.

Their chemistry, sharpened to perfection on stages across the UK, is pure theatrical dynamite. Together, they promise to wreak havoc with style, sabotage the slipper with flair, and deliver more laugh-out-loud moments than you can shake a sparkly wand at. Expect costume changes quicker than a royal scandal, insults wrapped in rhinestones, and comedic timing so sharp it could slice through a pumpkin carriage.

“Cinderella and Prince Charming better watch their backs,” they warn, dramatically fanning themselves. “Because this year, it’s not about finding the shoe, it’s about stealing the spotlight. We’ve got the looks, the legs, and the lungs to belt a ballad from Bootham to Blackpool. York, darling, prepare yourselves… the real stars of the ball have arrived!”

At the heart of this thrilling production is a brand-new script by Jon Monie, winner of Best Script at the Great British Pantomime Awards. Known for his clever writing, snappy dialogue, and brilliant set-pieces, Monie’s script is packed with affectionate nods to pantomime traditions, contemporary wit, and magical storytelling that captivates all generations.

Martin Dodd, UK Productions, said: “This year’s Cinderella is supercharged with energy, glamour and world-class talent. With stars of the West End and screen lighting up the stage, this production is bursting with magic, music and mayhem. From jaw-dropping vocals to laugh-out-loud comedy, it’s pantomime at its absolute finest, unmissable, unforgettable, and undeniably spectacular!”

From glittering costumes and breath-taking choreography to jaw-dropping lighting design and a live band delivering show-stopping numbers, Cinderella at the Grand Opera House is pantomime on a whole new scale.

Josh Brown, Venue Director for the Grand Opera House York, added: “Tobias and Rachel come with strong West End credentials and will be a huge hit in York. We’re thrilled to welcome such exceptional talent to the Grand Opera House stage, in what will be another hugely popular, showstopping panto from UK Productions.”

Following last year’s critically acclaimed production, which played to packed houses and glowing reviews, this year’s Cinderella is poised to raise the bar once again.

Tickets are flying faster than Cinderella’s coach at midnight, don’t be the one left holding a pumpkin. Book now, or risk missing the most magical, side-splitting, show-stopping event in York this Christmas!

York’s biggest Christmas show, Cinderella, is an unforgettable festive treat for the whole family.