Cinderella

Dartford panto 2026: Cinderella at the Orchard Theatre

Joe Pasquale stars in Cinderella, the Christmas 2026 pantomime at the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre in Dartford, running from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. It is produced by award-winning pantomime company Imagine Theatre, with Stagecoach Performing Arts as official production sponsor.

The story and what to expect

Cinderella dreams of a happier life, away from the torment of her wicked stepsisters. When a magical Fairy Godmother appears at her door, Cinderella is transformed and whisked away in a pumpkin coach to the castle to dance the night away with the Prince. When the clock strikes midnight she flees, leaving only a glass slipper behind. Will she find her happy ever after in time? Imagine Theatre promises everything you know and love about traditional pantomime, brought to life with an immersive award-winning set featuring animated scenes, glittering costumes and special effects, plus show-stopping songs and audience participation galore. Shouting out is part of the fun.

Cast

Joe Pasquale heads the company, billed by Imagine Theatre as a panto legend.

Keith Jack plays Prince Charming. He is a Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and musical theatre star.

Abbie Budden, a West End performer, plays Cinderella.

Ben Goffe plays Buttons, described by the producer as a hilarious and multitalented musical theatre performer.

Gareth Mitchell and Garnon Davies play Cinderella's stepsisters, Phyxie and Connie, and West End performer Vanessa Dumatey plays the Fairy Godmother.

Dates and times

The opening performance is on Saturday 12 December 2026 at 2pm, and the run closes on Sunday 3 January 2027. Over Christmas there are 5pm performances on 21, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 December and a 1pm performance on New Year's Eve. Schools performances are on Wednesday 16 December at 2pm and Thursday 17 December at 10am and 2pm. Other times vary by day.

Who is it for (age guidance and running time)

Imagine Theatre recommends Cinderella for ages 3 and up, and it is designed for the whole family. The show runs for about 125 minutes, including a 20 minute interval with ice creams and drinks. Photos are not allowed during the show, but there is a moment after the song sheet when photos and video are welcome. Latecomers are admitted at a suitable point.

Accessible performances

The relaxed performance is on Thursday 17 December at 10am, and a chilled performance follows on Saturday 19 December at 11am. An audio described performance is on Monday 28 December at 1pm and a signed performance on Monday 28 December at 5pm. Captioned performances are to be announced by the venue.

Panto returns to the refurbished Orchard Theatre

Imagine Theatre brings its spectacular family pantomime to the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre for Christmas 2026, packed with festive sparkle, laugh-out-loud comedy and an immersive award-winning set. With a panto legend at the top of the bill and a West End company around him, it is pitched as the perfect festive treat for all the family.

Getting to the Orchard Theatre

There is no car park attached to the Orchard Theatre, but there are plenty of options nearby: the Dartford Borough Council car park and the station car park (both DA1 1BP), Westgate car park (DA1 2AJ) and The Orchards Shopping Centre (DA1 1DN). There is one interval, with ice creams and drinks available.