You shall go to the ball!

Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

If there’s one event Mansfield audiences never brush off the calendar, it’s panto season, and this year’s sparkling production of Cinderella at Mansfield Palace Theatre is shaping up to be the most magical yet. But don’t hang about because tickets are already vanishing faster than a pumpkin at midnight with more than 40% sold!

Stepping into the iconic crystal slippers is Emmerdale favourite Rosie Bentham, best known for her role as Gabby Thomas. Since joining the long-running ITV soap in 2016, she has become a recognisable face on UK television, earning praise for her engaging and authentic performances. Viewers have watched her character evolve through challenging storylines and her ability to portray the complexities of teenage life and its struggles have earned her admiration. A proud Nottingham native, Rosie returns close to home to bring warmth, charm and a touch of fairytale magic to this rags-to-riches tale.

Rosie Bentham said:
“Swapping the Yorkshire Dales for a bit of panto sparkle this year! I’m so excited to be joining Cinderella in Mansfield - especially performing so close to my Nottingham roots. See you all there!”

Producer Martin Dodd added:
“Following her star turn in Emmerdale, we're absolutely delighted to welcome Rosie Bentham to Mansfield Palace Theatre as our Cinderella. Rosie is the perfect fit for this role, and I’ve no doubt she’ll have audiences completely under her spell. Make sure you don’t miss out - book now before the clock strikes twelve on what promises to be a truly enchanting Christmas treat!”

And she won’t be going to the ball alone…

Rosie joins the already announced, and returning by popular demand duo that are the fabulously outrageous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph as the Wicked Step-Sisters - guaranteed to have audiences in stitches (and possibly hiding the good shoes), as well as Mansfield’s own comedy favourite Adam Moss, bringing his trademark high-energy hilarity back to the stage.

For generations, pantomime has been where Christmas truly begins: the moment families pour into the theatre, children crane forward in their seats, grandparents laugh at jokes they probably shouldn’t, and everyone, for a couple of hours, is swept into the same shared sparkle. Cinderella is a story audiences know by heart, but that is precisely its magic. It sends people out into the winter night a little lighter, a little warmer, and with that unmistakable festive glow that only live pantomime can deliver: cheeks aching from laughter, heads full of songs, and the feeling that, just maybe, wishes really can come true.

Produced by pantomime powerhouse UK Productions Ltd and written by award-winning panto master Jon Monie, Cinderella promises a dazzling spectacle packed with glittering costumes, breathtaking scenery and magical transformations that will leave audiences spellbound.

Expect all the classic panto ingredients: riotous comedy, show-stopping musical numbers, boo-worthy baddies and cheer-worthy heroes plus of course… plenty of “it’s behind you!” moments - all delivered with a fresh, modern twist that ensures this timeless tale still fits like a glove (or should we say… a slipper?)

On behalf of Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services Manager Christopher Neil said:
“Pantomime is such a treasured tradition for our audiences and a real highlight of the festive calendar. This year’s production promises to be another joyful celebration of theatre and family fun. We’re especially proud to continue offering relaxed and signed performances, ensuring everyone can experience the magic.”

With tickets starting from just £20 for opening weekend performances, there’s never been a better time to secure your place at the ball. But be quick because once they’re gone, there’ll be no fairy godmother to turn back time!

Tickets are on sale now from www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or 01623 463133 and when the curtain rises… you won’t want to be the one left behind!