A Fairytale Night Out: Why Cinderella at Stage Two Norwich Is a Christmas Hit for the Whole Family

15th December 2025

Taking my two boys along to the press night of Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal felt like a real festive treat – and from the very first moment, they were completely enchanted.

Before the show, we were invited to a lovely pre-press gathering at Stage Two, just across from the theatre, where drinks were flowing and excitement was building ahead of curtain-up. It was a relaxed, friendly way to start the evening and made it feel like a proper occasion before heading back over to the main theatre for the performance.

Once inside the Theatre Royal, the magic really began. The atmosphere was buzzing – that unmistakable Christmas panto energy where children are wriggling with excitement and adults are ready for a good laugh too. From the opening scene, my boys were hooked. The colour, the music, the larger-than-life characters – it was everything you want a pantomime to be.

The show struck a brilliant balance between kid-friendly fun and clever humour for the grown-ups. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, classic call-and-response scenes, and just the right amount of cheekiness without ever tipping too far. My boys joined in enthusiastically, shouting along and clapping, while I found myself laughing just as much as they were.

The cast were fantastic – energetic, confident and clearly having a great time on stage. That joy really transferred to the audience and kept the momentum going throughout. Even during the interval, the boys were animatedly chatting about their favourite characters and scenes, which is always the biggest compliment any family show can get.

By the time the final bows came around, both children were already asking if we could come back again. Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal is exactly what a Christmas pantomime should be: warm, funny, lively and full of heart. If you’re looking for a festive outing that genuinely delights children while keeping adults entertained, this one is a real winner – and a brilliant way to make some Christmas memories together.