Chris Bush’s Cinderella adaptation reveals lead casting

The Rose Theatre Kingston has announced lead casting for the upcoming world premiere of Cinderella, written by Olivier Award winner Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) with Roni Neale, and featuring new songs by Matt Winkworth.

Bush, who returns to the southwest London venue, following last year’s production of Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist, commented: “I’m beyond excited to be heading back to Kingston for Christmas, and to be working on such an iconic title as Cinderella. It’s even more fun to be teaming up with Matt Winkworth again, and to be bringing Roni Neale to the party – we’re going to have a ball! I hope we can do justice to this timeless classic, while adding a few little twists of our own. Rose audiences were so joyful and generous with us last year, and I can’t wait to be back!”

The cast will be led by Joaquin Pedro Valdes (as Prince Chadley), Maddy Hunter (as Ella), Hannah Akhalu (as Snotterella), Corrina Buchan (as Groterella), and Simon Yadoo (as Richard / Lord Richard) alongside young people from Rose Youth Theatre. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.

Under the direction of Owen Horsley, the creative team also includes Ryan Dawson Laight (set and costume designer), Bretta Gerreke (lighting designer), Dan Balfour (sound designer), Shay Barclay (movement director), Yvonne Stone (puppetry director), Claire Llewellyn (intimacy and fight director), Josh Mathieson (voice and dialect coach), Arthur Carrington (casting director) and Pippa Dykes (associate director).

Rose artistic director Christopher Haydon said: “I’m always energised when we start planning our Christmas production, not just as a director but, perhaps more importantly, as a parent of two very small boys who can’t wait to see it! Our new production of Cinderella promises to bring both magic and mischief at this special time of year that will delight boys and girls.”

Cinderella runs at the Rose Theatre from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with a press night set for 4 December. Tickets are on sale now.