Tuesday 10 November 2026
Bristol Old Vic‘s Christmas show this year is Cinderella: A Fairytale, the Olivier-nominated adaptation co-created by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the original company. It returns to Bristol after 15 years, revived and directed by Lisa Gregan, with Joëlle Brabban as Ella and Joseph Langdon as the bird-watching Prince. The theatre has just released a first look inside rehearsals, with photography by Helen Murray. It runs from 27 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, with tickets from £11.
1. An Olivier-nominated favourite, back after 15 years
This much-loved adaptation was co-created by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the original company, and it earned an Olivier nomination. Now it’s back in Bristol for the first time in 15 years, re-imagined for 2026 and directed by Lisa Gregan. It’s playing at Bristol Old Vic, the UK’s longest continuously running theatre, which has welcomed millions of people through its doors since opening over 260 years ago. The building in the Old City has been extensively redeveloped, making it a lovely setting for a festive family outing. If you saw the original, this is a chance to rediscover it, and if you didn’t, it’s a chance to see what the fuss was about.
2. A Cinderella story with a difference
This isn’t a traditional panto version of the tale. Following the death of her mother, the free-spirited Ella seeks solace in the woods around the home she shares with her father, enchanted by the birds that roost peacefully in the trees. When her father remarries, her feathered friends begin to feel like her only true family. Then a mysterious boy who shares her love of birdwatching stumbles upon her woodland hideout, holding an invitation to the Royal Ball. The theatre says the show follows the Grimm fairy tale tradition, with plenty of magic and some grisly, though not gory, moments.
3. A cast with plenty of Bristol talent
Joëlle Brabban leads the company as Ella, and Joseph Langdon returns to Bristol Old Vic to play the bird-watching Prince. Bristol performer, singer and writer Dionne Draper takes the role of the Queen, while Cathy Walker makes her Bristol Old Vic debut as Ella’s scheming Stepmother. Bristol-based actor and musician Guy Hughes joins as Ella’s obnoxious Stepbrother, and Daisy Ann Fletcher completes the family as the spiteful Stepsister. The rehearsal photos released this week give a first glimpse of the company at work, and they suggest a show full of character and mischief.
4. Live music and puppetry
Music is played live on stage, with the production’s composer Alex Heane appearing as on-stage Musical Director, and Harry Miller as Master of Ceremonies and Musician. The creative team is led by award-winning set, costume and puppetry designer Rachael Canning, who is also the show’s puppet director. She is joined by movement director Chi-San Howard, lighting designer Mike Gunning and sound designer Elena Peña. Associate director Robert Furey and casting director Ruby Gilmour complete the team. With puppetry in the mix, it promises plenty for younger audiences to look at.
5. Family-friendly prices and access performances
The show is recommended for ages 5+ and runs for about two hours, including an interval, so it suits a family trip. Tickets range from £11 to £23, children get 20% off, and groups of eight or more get 15% off. There’s a good spread of morning, matinee and evening performances through December, including Christmas Eve and the days between Christmas and New Year. A BSL-interpreted performance is on 10 December at 7pm, relaxed performances are on 12 and 30 December at 2.30pm, and on 18 December there’s an audio-described matinee at 2.30pm and a captioned show at 7pm.
Book
Cinderella: A Fairytale
27 November 2026 – 2 January 2027 (previews 27 November – 2 December)
Bristol Old Vic, King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED
Times vary; approx. 2 hours including interval
Ages 5+
Tickets £11–£23; 20% off for children; 15% off for groups of 8+; £1 booking fee per ticket (not for Members)
BSL: Thu 10 December, 7pm
Relaxed: Sat 12 December and Wed 30 December, 2.30pm
Audio described: Fri 18 December, 2.30pm
Captioned: Fri 18 December, 7pm