Amazing Cinderella in the 21st century … The Hexagon triumphs as it goes digital with a knockout show

Pantomime has moved firmly into the 21st century with this year’s production of Cinderella at The Hexagon theatre – it is the first show here to feature a digital set.

Dating back to the 18th century, panto is the annual festive treat.

While those early shows will feature much that we are familiar, few of us would expect a slapstick version of Doctor Faustus to be performed today, just as it was in 1723 at Drury Lane.

Panto has always moved with the times, and once again Imagine Theatre has produced for Reading a tour de force which delights, enthrals, amuses and engages.

The return of several cast members and set pieces ensure that much is familiar while the new staging moves things on nicely.

So, what is a digital set? Well, it has taken over the entire width of The Hexagon’s stage. There are five banks of screens which feature digital panto sets on them.

At first glance, it is the familiar backdrops you are used to, but watch carefully and they sparkle, glow, move around and enhance the scenes, such as when Prince Charming decided to have a go at online dating.

They are such high quality, and the animation used so fluid that they add to the scenes every time they are used.

At the same time, due to the size of the set, there are no curtains coming down and that means they are useful for some scene changes and less helpful at other points, such as cleaning up after the slosh scene.

The advantage is you can see Cinderella’s coach take her to the ball – and that is truly breathtaking – but the disadvantage is some of the magic of her rags to riches transformation feels slight, and there are no flying horses.

Then again, the flying horses did away with the need for Shetland ponies to be kept backstage … panto is always evolving.

Ultimately, the digital screens are a welcome innovation and next year’s production of Beauty and the Beast will showcase the magic even more. You will be amazed and delighted when you see them in action.

But not everything is new, nor does it need to be.

Panto purists will be delighted to see quips from the old jokes home dusted off for a new generation, age-old routines such as Ghostbusters and the 12 Days of Christmas all present and correct.

Add into that a pleasing mixture of old and new songs, with every cast member getting their moment in the spotlight and a big number, and you have a recipe for a terrific night out.

READ MORE: Meet Steve and Sarah Boden, the team behind Reading’s pantomime, Cinderella

What makes this Hexagon pantomime really shine is the company that Imagine have built up. Many of the cast members, including the ensemble, have taken residency in Reading, and it makes for a stronger show.

Since 2010’s production of Sleeping Beauty, CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has made Reading his Christmas base virtually every year, and he maintains an incredible vitality, ensuring everyone has a great night out. Joining him as his panto partner is Paul Morse, once again giving a stellar performance the resident dame (Nanny Gumdrop this year).

Such is their chemistry there are times when each other is struggling to stifle their own giggles, while their set pieces, including the not-quite-as-messy-as-I-would-have-liked slosh scene, bring great joy to the audience.

It is apt and appropriate that the pair are the very last to come off the stage at the end of the show. Long may their partnership endure, it is a triumph.

Also returning is Carl Tracey as Prince Charming and Adam Pettigrew as Dandini – roles they both played back in 2019, the last time Cinderella was in Reading. They have a charming rapport together and the script, also by Justin, has been designed to make the most of this.

READ MORE: Cinderella’s digital set means Reading can go to the ball

Rachel Delooze teams up with Bex Allingham to play Porcelaina and Lavinia respectively, the two wicked stepsisters. They work well together, making the duo repulsive and unlikeable, a far cry from who they are off-stage.

They are aided and abetted by Ally Cox as Madame Frost, a kind-of Baron Hardup (see, panto is always evolving) who is given some great lines and terrific costumes.

Hexagon newcomer Samantha Dorrance is a bright, bubbly and delightful Cinderella, while Cassandra Lee sparkles as Fairy Goodheart. Both have amazing voices, and their scenes together are a joy.

The ensemble is once again headed up by Honor O’Neill. The quartet are helped by the junior ensemble – youngsters from the Reading area – and add so much depth to the show. They are truly talented.

Also talented are the people we don’t see.

The Hexagon has invested in a new sound system which is making its debut this season and it is astonishing. The sound is incredibly loud and clear, regardless of where you are sitting in the auditorium.

And the set lighting is a difficult job well done. You won’t notice it apart from stand out moments like Cinderella’s transformation at the end of the first act, but lighting a set packed with bright LCD screens requires skill.

The three-strong band are ably led by Michael Webborn, and enhance the action while having the ability to adapt to what is happening on stage.

And we mustn’t forget the brilliant Hexagon team who work tirelessly to keep the venue clean and safe, all with smiles on their faces.

As ever, Paul and Justin have the audience eating out of their hands – the behind yous, the oh no it isn’ts, and do its ring loudly through the auditorium. The sound of laughter is ever present, while the applause for the big numbers heartfelt and deserved.

With its new digital set, The Hexagon has transformed pantomime and made it new, yet it’s still what we know and love.

Cinderella is an all-singing, all-dancing, all-laughing spectacular and real festive fun for all the family.

You’d have to be a Wicked Stepsister to miss it. Go on, have a ball.

How can I get tickets for Cinderella at The Hexagon?

Imagine Theatre’s Cinderella will be performed at The Hexagon from Saturday, December 7, through to Sunday, January 5. 

Performance times vary and some shows have already sold out. 

There are relaxed performances, for people with additional needs or prefer a less ‘noisy’ experience. These are on Friday, December 13, and Friday, January 3, at 10.30am. These tickets cost £16.50. 

There are two performances with sign language interpreters. These are planned for Saturday, December 14, at 1pm, and Friday, December 27, at 5pm. 

Tickets cost from £13 for school groups. 

Regular tickets are from £20 to £39, and there are group rates available.

Full details are available on the WhatsonReading.com website, or by calling the box office on 0118 960 6060.

And if you can’t wait … Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are on sale now

Running from December 6, 2025 through to January 4, 2026, Beauty and the Beast will be the next pantomime that Imagine Theatre will bring to The Hexagon.

And just like this year, it will feature a digital set.

No cast members have been announced yet.

For more details, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/beautyandthebeast