Nottingham Playhouse announces their charming 2026 Christmas show for younger children, the magical Cinderella.
This brand-new production of the family favourite is written by award-winning Katie Arnstein (It’s a Girl! trilogy including Bicycles and Fish, Sexy Lamp and Sticky Door, VAULT Festival; The Long Run, New Diorama Theatre) and directed by Tristan Jackson-Pate (Artistic Director of the award-winning People’s Theatre Collective; Director of A Present for Jack, The Story Museum Oxford), with Composer and Musical Director Jude Taylor (Aliens Love Panta Claus, Curve Leicester; Pirates Love Underpants, Curve Leicester and UK Tour) creating original music for this Christmas classic. Lyrics by Katie Arnstein and Jude Taylor.
The Neville Studio festive production is specially created for children aged 3 to 8 and their families. With plenty of moments of audience interaction, catchy songs and a running time of 50 minutes, the show is the perfect introduction to live theatre for little ones. Cinderella will feature Creative Captioning, which uses simple imagery on screens to highlight key moments within the story. This is a feature Nottingham Playhouse has been offering for the last 6 years, to improve accessibility for all children. There are also fully Captioned, Relaxed and BSL interpreted performances, with Touch Tours available on selected dates.
Designing the show is Michelle Cave, a recent graduate of Nottingham Trent University (BA Hons Design for Theatre and Live Performance). In May, Michelle was announced as the winner of the Nottingham Playhouse Prize, which gives design students their first professional job after training. Each year, the winner oversees the creation of both costume and set designs for the Christmas show for younger audiences in the Neville Studio.
Katie Arnstein, writer, said:
“I’m over the moon to be writing Cinderella for Nottingham Playhouse this Christmas. This version is going to be a celebration of friendship, hope and Nottingham itself. There’s going to be laughter, dancing and, of course, plenty of magic. I can’t wait to share this show with everyone.”
Adam Penford, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome the fabulous creative team to re-imagine this classic tale. Creating work for younger audiences is a core part of what we do; it is something that has spanned decades, with parents bringing their own little ones to the venue they first came to as children. Our Christmas production is often children’s very first experience of theatre, and we are always thrilled to be a part of that.
“We are delighted that Cinderella will also tour schools and community venues across the region, ensuring the show is accessible to all children.”
The Writer, Composer, and Director were selected following an open call-out. This forms part of the Amplify programme, supporting Midlands creatives with opportunities, workshops, networking and mentoring. Both the call-out and the Playhouse Prize form part of Nottingham Playhouse’s dedication to supporting artists in the region by creating professional opportunities within the local community.
Step into a world of magic and fun with Cinderella and her hilarious animal friends.
Cinderella dreams of going to the palace, but with midnight fast approaching her happily ever after is far from guaranteed. Specially created for girls and boys aged 3-8, this brand-new version of a family favourite is the perfect introduction to live theatre and a charming festive treat. With music, magic and plenty of opportunities to join in along the way, this is one party you won’t want to miss.
Cinderella is being produced as a Theatre Green Book production, which means that at least 50% of all materials used in sets, props and costumes must have had a previous life, and at least 65% of materials must be kept for future use, donated or recycled, rather than thrown away. The Neville Studio Christmas production has followed Theatre Green Book principles for the last 5 years.
Cinderella plays at Nottingham Playhouse from Thu 3 Dec 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027. It will then tour a series of schools and community venues across the region.
LISTINGS
Nottingham Playhouse
CINDERELLA
Writer – Katie Arnstein
Director – Tristan Jackson-Pate
Composer & Musical Director – Jude Taylor
Designer – Michelle Cave
Lyrics – Katie Arnstein and Jude Taylor
Nottingham Playhouse
Neville Studio
Wellington Circus
Nottingham NG1 5AF
Thu 3 Dec to Sat 2 Jan 2027
Relaxed Performances: Sat 12 Dec 10.30am, Mon 21 Dec 1.15pm, Mon 28 Dec 1.30pm
BSL Performances: Fri 18 Dec 10.30am, Sat 26 Dec 1.30pm
Captioned performances: Fri 18 Dec 10.30am, Sat 26 Dec 1.30pm
Press performance: Sat 5 Dec, 1.15pm
Posted on 08 June 2026
