Bristol Old Vic Announces Christmas Creative Team For Cinderella

Creatives Announced For Christmas Show at King Street Theatre

Bristol Old Vic has announced its creative team for this year’s Christmas show.

The theatre is staging Cinderella: A Fairytale. The Bristol created show was a co-production between Tobacco Factory Theatres and Travelling Light. It was devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company for the 2011/12 festive season.

Our 2011 review
Our 2016 review

The huge success of the show saw it taken to the St James’ Theatre in London for Christmas 2012. This saw it nominated for an Olivier Award. The following year, it picked up yet more awards for its run at the Unicorn Theatre.

Bristol Old Vic has now chosen the very much-loved production for its festive theatre this year.

The Olivier Award winning Adam Peck returns to the production, saying he is “thrilled” to see it come home to Bristol for a brand-new production.

The theatre’s Literary & Directors Associate, Lisa Gregan, will be directing the show.

“To be bringing Cinderella: A Fairytale back to Bristol, where it was first created, feels incredibly special,” Lisa says.

“Sally, Adam and the original company created something truly magical, and I’m delighted to be working with this brilliant creative team to reimagine the story for Bristol Old Vic audiences. At its heart, it’s a tale about finding connection, courage and hope, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences this Christmas.”

Nancy Medina, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic called the show a “remarkable piece of theatre”.

She said the new adaptation “embodies so much of what makes Bristol theatre-making distinctive – bold imagination, inventive storytelling and a deep sense of collaboration.”

Cinderella: A Fairytale is a retelling of the original Brothers Grimm story. It’s staged through original music, movement, puppetry and inventive storytelling.

Following the death of her mother, free-spirited Ella seeks solace in the woods surrounding her and her father’s home. She’s enchanted by the birds that roost in the trees.

When her father remarries, Ella’s feathered friends begin to feel like her only true family. That is until a mysterious boy who shares her love of birdwatching stumbles upon her woodland hideout. In his hand is an invitation to the Royal Ball.

The face-achingly funny and beautiful show will see Set, Costume and Puppetry Design by Rachael Canning. Chi-San Howard returns to Bristol Old Vic as Movement Director.

Lighting design is by Mike Gunning. Bristol-based Alex Heane is Composer and Musical Director. Elena Peña is Sound Designer and Ruby Gilmour the Casting Assistant.

Original Director Sally Cookson said: “It is quite lovely to hand the baton on to Lisa and her team at Bristol Old Vic to bring new life to our adaptation. Lisa is not only a cherished friend but also a director with a powerful imagination and one who truly understands the importance of collaboration and ensemble –  I can’t wait to see what she cooks up!”

Cinderella: A Fairytale will be at Bristol Old Vic 27 November 2026 – 02 January 2027

For more information or to book, visit: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/cinderella-a-fairytale

Cast and Creatives so far announced
Director – Lisa Gregan 
Set, Costume and Puppet Designer & Puppet Director – Rachael Canning 
Composer & Musical Director – Alex Heane 
Movement Director – Chi-San Howard 
Lighting Designer – Mike Gunning 
Sound Designer- Elena Peña 
Casting Director – Ruby Gilmour