Traditional family pantomime returns to Town Hall
The long-running Christmas pantomime at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre will return this year with a production of Cinderella, staged from Thursday 10 December to Sunday 27 December. The show is billed as a full festive spectacle featuring costumes, music, comedy and special effects aimed at audiences of all ages.
Local cast and creative team
The production is mounted by AJ Theatrical Productions. The company’s producer and writer, Jacqueline Turnbull, said the team were "absolutely thrilled" to present the show in Hartlepool and promised a cast and staging that would be "bigger, brighter and more magical than ever." The return of established local performers is a feature of this year’s run.
- Gary Martin Davis and Anthony Turner will reprise their roles as the Ugly Sisters.
- Phil Reid is back as Buttons.
- Hartlepool’s own Hollie Boynton-Briggs will make her panto debut as Cinderella.
- High-energy troupe Ruff Diamond will lead audience participation.
Council reaction and community significance
Councillor Rob Darby, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, commented that Christmas in Hartlepool "wouldn't be complete without a family trip to the pantomime," adding that the production looks set to offer "stunning production values and plenty of festive fun." The council has historically supported cultural events that draw families into the town centre during the holiday season.
Tickets and expected attendance
Organisers have warned that tickets are likely to sell rapidly. The production team expects attendance to mirror previous years, with thousands of families attending across the show's run. Residents and visitors are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
| Event | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Cinderella (pantomime) | 10–27 December | Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre |
“With an incredible cast, spectacular production values and plenty of surprises in store, this year’s pantomime is set to be bigger, brighter and more magical than ever.” — Jacqueline Turnbull, AJ Theatrical Productions
The production’s combination of familiar local performers and new faces aims to cater for long-standing pantomime-goers as well as families making their first festive theatre memories in Hartlepool. Beyond the immediate theatrical offering, the show contributes to the town’s seasonal economy by drawing audiences to local shops, eateries and services over a three-week period.
Further details on ticket release dates and box office arrangements will be published by the theatre and organisers; prospective attendees should monitor the theatre’s official channels for booking information.
