By Grace Hatchell
Well now… if you’ve ever fancied stepping inside a fairytale instead of simply watching one from a comfy theatre seat, then pop your glass slippers on because this sounds rather enchanting.
This December, Electric Press Productions is transforming the beautiful East Riddlesden Hall in West Yorkshire into the setting for Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience, promising a Christmas adventure where audiences don’t just watch the story unfold – they become part of it.
Set within the stunning 17th-century National Trust property, visitors will wander through the historic house and its grounds, meeting colourful characters, uncovering hidden spaces and following Cinderella’s journey before the clock strikes midnight. I must admit, it sounds a little more exciting than sitting quietly in Row G clutching a tub of ice cream.
The production comes from award-nominated duo Samantha Creswick and Emily Susanne Lloyd, founders of Electric Press Productions, with the story written by Calum Finlay. Following the success of their immersive production, A Christmas Carol, the creative team have once again chosen to bring festive storytelling to life in an entirely unique setting.
Of course, this wouldn’t be Cinderella without a little magic.
The familiar tale begins with a young woman longing to escape life under the thumb of her stepfamily while dreaming of sharing her voice with the world. Prince Max first hears Cinderella singing during the village Yuletide Fayre and quickly arranges a magnificent royal ball in the hope of finding her again.
But don’t expect the traditional happily-ever-after.
This new interpretation takes a refreshing turn when midnight arrives. Rather than simply chasing romance and glass slippers, Cinderella challenges expectations, encouraging both herself and Prince Max to embrace freedom, adventure and the courage to choose their own future. It’s a modern take on a timeless classic that celebrates independence, self-expression and finding happiness on your own terms.
Director Emily Susanne Lloyd explains that the company wanted audiences to physically step inside the story rather than simply observe it. East Riddlesden Hall proved to be the perfect location, allowing every room and pathway to become part of the magical adventure. She hopes families will leave having created memories together that last well beyond Christmas itself.
I do have a bit of a soft spot for companies that champion Northern talent. Some of the finest theatre I’ve seen over the years hasn’t always come from the biggest stages in London, but from passionate artists creating something truly magical right here in Yorkshire and across the North of England. There’s a warmth, honesty and imagination to so much Northern theatre that I always find myself rooting for it. Electric Press Productions clearly shares that passion, giving local performers, writers and creatives the opportunity to shine while creating memorable experiences for audiences. If this production is anything like their previous work, I’d say we’re in very safe hands indeed.
I rather like the sound of this one. Christmas has a habit of making us all feel like children again, and there’s something wonderfully appealing about wandering through an ancient house where every doorway could reveal another piece of the story. Besides, who doesn’t secretly enjoy booing the villains, cheering the heroes and hoping someone remembers to be home before midnight?
Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience runs from Friday 4 December until Wednesday 23 December 2026 at East Riddlesden Hall near Keighley. The production lasts approximately 80 minutes and is suitable for audiences aged five and above, making it an ideal festive outing for the whole family.
Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience
Friday 4th–Wednesday 23rd December 2026
East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden,
Keighley, BD20 5EL
https://www.citizenticket.com/events/electric-press
productions/cinderella-an-immersive-pantomime
experience/
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