Cinderella in the round at the Dukes

Not only is Dukes Lancaster the only professional producing theatre in the county, it's also the only one offering a 360 degree view of a Christmas show this year.

The theatre's in-the-round performing space will stage Cinderella (November 21-January 2), in a play rather than a pantomime version, by BAFTA award-winning writer (and Julie Hesmondhalgh's husband) Ian Kershaw.

Bringing the adventure to life will be The Dukes Young Company alumna, Polly Wain, who said: “I was born in Lancaster and the theatre has been a huge part of my life, from watching the Christmas productions with my family to spending 10 years as a member of the Young Company.

"Those experiences are what sparked my interest in theatre, so returning to the Dukes to direct this year’s festive production feels like a full-circle moment. It's also a joy to be working with Ian Kershaw on his surprising and big-hearted adaptation…”

Brave, fierce and determined to forge her own path, Ella must navigate her new step-family. While doing so she learns the true magic of believing in yourself, uncovers royal secrets and discovers the value of following your heart!

Ian Kershaw said: “I originally wrote this show - not a panto! - for the Dukes some years ago. I wanted to tell the story of Cinderella for my daughters and their friends, a version with Doc Marten boots instead of glass slippers and where our hero finds the solutions to problems with the help of her friends. But this Cinderella is a proper Dukes Christmas feelgood show, where everyone leaves with a tingle in their heart and a grin on their face.

"So now, this year, in the round, we get to do it all over again, in a new, improved version. It’s a party and you and everyone you know are invited – come and join us!”

More info and tickets here