Everything you need to know about this year’s big Sheffield panto at the Lyceum Theatre

The curtain is going up on the annual Christmas pantomime at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre – and Cinderella is the fairy story for 2019.
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Sheffield Theatres will be hoping the production is just as successful as the box office hits notched up in previous years – so here is our guide answering all the important questions to help audience members make the most of a trip to see the show.

What will I see?

Cinderella is a humorous reimagining of the folk tale popularised by the Brothers Grimm in the 1800s, which was later turned into feature films by Disney in 1950 and 2015. The story follows a young woman, Ella, who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but – through magical means – gets the chance to attend a Royal Ball and meet Prince Charming.

Who are the stars?

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Phil Gallagher – CBeebies’ Mister Maker – plays Buttons, Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton appears as the Fairy and veteran pantomime dame Damian Williams comes to the Lyceum again to portray one of the ugly sisters. Ben Thornton plays Dandini, Matt Daines joins Damian as another ugly sister, Oliver Watton is Prince Charming and Evelyn Hoskins takes the role of Cinderella.

Where and when is it?

The panto is at the Lyceum Theatre in Tudor Square, from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, January 5. There are various show times depending on the type of performance – people can book for 2pm, 7pm, 1pm, 5:30pm, 10:15am or 2:30pm on particular days throughout the run.

Joanne Clifton as the Fairy, with Ugly Sisters Matt Daines and Damian Williams. Picture: Steve EllisJoanne Clifton as the Fairy, with Ugly Sisters Matt Daines and Damian Williams. Picture: Steve Ellis
Joanne Clifton as the Fairy, with Ugly Sisters Matt Daines and Damian Williams. Picture: Steve Ellis

Who is behind the production?

Evolution Productions, helmed by former children’s television presenter Paul Hendy and his wife Emily Wood, has staged an annual festive show at the Lyceum Theatre since 2007. Around 500,000 people have seen an Evolution show at the Lyceum over the years, enough to fill Wembley Stadium more than five times. Paul is Cinderella’s writer and director.

How much are tickets?

Prices range from £15 to £33 per ticket. Discounts are available for schools and other eligible groups.

The full cast of the Lyceum Panto, Cinderella. Picture: Steve EllisThe full cast of the Lyceum Panto, Cinderella. Picture: Steve Ellis
The full cast of the Lyceum Panto, Cinderella. Picture: Steve Ellis

Where can I park?

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Sheffield Theatres works with Q-Park’s Charles Street car park, which can be found using the sat nav postcode S1 2NJ. Audience members are entitled to a discount off parking for evening and matinee performances. Visit the box office or speak to a member of the front of house team to claim a voucher. The NCP car park on Arundel Gate is also near the Lyceum with 650 spaces, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The theatre is a short walk from Sheffield railway station and the nearest Supertram stops are Castle Square and Cathedral. Bus stops are close by on Arundel Gate and High Street.

Where can I eat and drink?

Crucible Corner, opposite the Lyceum, offers dinner and show packages for £22 per person. These must be booked through the box office, or online – not through the restaurant. Pre-show, and during the interval, the Lyceum’s bar sells wine, beer and spirits while the kiosk has soft drinks and snacks for sale. Mamas & Leonies pizzeria, Italian restaurant VeroGusto and the Ego bar are very close to the venue.

Joanne Clifton with Phil Gallagher. Picture: Steve EllisJoanne Clifton with Phil Gallagher. Picture: Steve Ellis
Joanne Clifton with Phil Gallagher. Picture: Steve Ellis

How do I book?

Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk, call 0114 249 6000 or go to the Sheffield Theatres box office in the Crucible building, which is usually open from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

Is there provision for disabled people, or those with impaired sight and hearing?

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Yes – there is a relaxed performance on December 12 at 10.15am, a show accompanied by a British Sign Language interpeter at 1pm on December 18, and captioned shows on December 19 and 27. A performance with audio description – through headsets – is happening on January 2.