Ipswich Regent Theatre has revealed the glittering cast for its 2025 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella – promising a magical festive treat for audiences of all ages.
Produced by Enchanted Entertainment, the family show will run from Friday 12 December to Wednesday 31 December 2025, and features a stellar line-up of music, stage and screen favourites.
Lee Brennan, lead singer of 90s pop band 911, stars as the dashing Prince Charming. Noël Sullivan, former Hear’Say chart-topper and West End leading man, plays Dandini. Francine Lewis, impressionist and comedy queen, takes on the role of the enchanting Fairy Godmother.
Francine first rose to public attention in 2013 as a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent. Her impressions of Stacey Solomon, Katie Price, Cheryl Cole, Sharon Osborne and even Dot Cotton quickly went viral and remain some of the most-viewed clips in BGT history. Frequently enlisted as an impersonator on popular daytime TV shows, Francine has spoofed personalities such as Vanessa Feltz for Channel 5’s Vanessa, as well as many others on This Morning and Loose Women. She has also starred in West End pantomimes Snow White, Cinderella, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
Noël was a member of the pop group Hear’Say who had massive success after winning Popstars and achieving two UK number one singles with ‘Pure & Simple’ and ’The Way To Your Love’. His TV credits Include appearances in Doctors, Years and Years, The Outsiders, Ordinary Lies 2 and Gavin and Stacey. He has also performed in West End and touring musical theatre productions of School of Rock, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Priscilla Queen of The Desert, We Will Rock You, Grease, and Fame The Musical.
Lee is best known for being the lead singer of 90s boyband 911. Achieving 10 consecutive UK Top 10 hits, 911 have played to sell-out arenas on their tours of the UK and Asia. In 2023, 911 had a Number One hit in Asia with their song ‘I Do’, co-written by Lee. He is also an experienced stage actor, performing on the UK tour of Footloose The Musical and appearing in 15 pantomimes across the UK.
Joining them are returning family favourites Mike “Squeaky” McClean as Buttons as well as Gavin Ashbarry and Peter Brad-Leigh as the Ugly Sisters.
To lead this talented cast, the search is on for a local star to step into the spotlight as Cinderella this Christmas. In a unique opportunity, the theatre is inviting hopeful local performers aged 18+ to audition for the lead role of Cinderella. Open auditions will take place at Ipswich Town Hall on Sunday 28 September from 11am.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said:
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play an iconic role on the biggest stage in East Anglia. If you know someone perfect for the role, we’d love to see them audition!
“Our successful Cinderella and this star-studded professional cast will be ready to wow audiences during the festive season at the Ipswich Regent Theatre.
“We’re proud to continue working with Enchanted Entertainment’s team who have brought so many record-breaking pantos to the Ipswich Regent Theatre in recent years, and much-loved rags-to-riches story Cinderella promises to be the best yet.
“This year’s production will be the debut show at the newly redeveloped Ipswich Regent Theatre, and is set to be our biggest ever. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to see the theatre’s transformation and to enjoy a spectacular experience filled with sparkle, laughter, and festive magic. Book now and don't be late for the ball!”
Tickets starting from £17 are available to book online at: ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella-christmas-panto/ Popular dates (24, 26 and 31 December) are selling fast, so early booking is advised. Tickets are also available for special performances including BSL Interpreted on Sunday 28 December, Relaxed Performance on Monday 29 December, and Adult-Only Show Tuesday 30 December.
