2nd January 2027
CINDERELLA - RELAXED PERFORMANCE
We have two wheelchairs spaces as indicated on the seating plan above.
To check availability and book please contact the Box Office on 01926 856548 (or email us through our Contact Us page)
Click for Seating Plan
A sparkling family adventure!
by Stephen Duckham
We are proud to be offering a relaxed performance again this year for our pantomime ‘Cinderella.’
This performance will be dedicated to creating a welcoming and more ‘relaxed’ environment for families or individuals with sensory needs and other visible and hidden disabilities.
Experience the inclusive magic of panto with adjustments to ensure a comfortable and accessible theatre visit for all:
- No strobe lighting
- No pyrotechnics
- House lights will remain on throughout the show but will be dimmed
- The audience is free to move around and make noise during the show
- Auditorium doors will remain open
- An introduction to the show and principal characters immediately before the show
- Opportunity for a theatre familiarisation sensory tour before the show*
- Theatre familiarisation video tour – link will be shared ahead of your visit
- Visual Story Pack – this will be shared with you ahead of your visit
- Reduced capacity in the auditorium – to allow movement to free space if needed
- Quiet area in the main foyer with access to a screen showing the performance
- Talisman volunteers will be easily identifiable on arrival to help you on the day
- If you think your child will need ear defenders please bring these with you. We may have some spare ones available on the day but these will be limited.
The timeless tale you know and love…with a few delightful twists in this year’s Talisman pantomime.
Prince Christopher needs to take a wife; but, for one more day, he wants to taste the freedom of an ordinary man. Swapping places with his manservant, Dandini, he encounters the Stoneybroke family, comprising two larger-than-life sisters, an overworked hired hand and a young girl by the name of Cinderella. The Prince is captivated by her and her kindness to an old lady in the town, but all too soon, he has to return to royal duties. Will he ever see Cinderella again, and who is the strange old lady who is more than she seems?
The Talisman Pantomime once again brings you an evening of spectacle, music and comedy for all the family.
Age recommendation: 3 years and above with parental guidance. Younger children are welcome, though some scenes, effects, or loud sounds may be a little scary. Perfect for a fun, family-friendly experience! Not recommended for babes in arms. Everyone attending, including babies and young children, must have a ticket.
*A familiarisation tour will be scheduled so watch this space for details.
A video link will also be made available nearer the time on this page.
]We will also provide a link to a Visual Story Pack that will tell you more about our theatre, what to expect on the day, and a simple visual story. This will be made available nearer to the time.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
We have two wheelchair spaces available for each performance. To book wheelchair spaces, be added to the waiting list or ticket returns, please contact Box Office on 01926 856548 (or via our Contact Us page)
Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN
We have two wheelchairs spaces as indicated on the seating plan above.
To check availability and book please contact the Box Office on 01926 856548 (or email us through our Contact Us page)
Click for Seating Plan
SHOW DETAILS
Set sail for adventure!
by Stephen Duckham
Prepare for a hilarious, magical journey in this year’s pantomime production.
When Robinson and his brother find a treasure map, there’s nothing for it but to set off in search of their fortune on a faraway island.
Their travels take them to the mysterious Skull Valley, encountering a host of comical characters along the way.
Laughter and music awaits in this swashbuckling voyage across (and below) the waves. Get your tickets now and join the fun!
CAST
Cast
Clarissa Crusoe – Ben Ionoff
Robinson Crusoe – Harry Bowser
Billy Crusoe – Jack Ives
Susie – Phoebe Dann
Davina Jones – Sam Harris
Montgomery Moneybags – James Harris
Britannia – Lauren McCann
Seafaring Sam – Amy Jolliffe
Paddling Pete – Laurie Weston
Friday – Matthew Jolliffe
Island Queen – Amanda Wright
Adult Chorus
Ann Hannan
Ellie Chapman
Chris Flood
Amanda Wright
Junior Chorus
Leigh Hall
Hannah McDermott
Lily King
Lucy Henderson
Alana Kelly
Evie Riman
Sophie Truelove
Matthew Jolliffe
Monkey – Lucy Henderson
Rodney the Rat (operated by) – Ellie Chapman
Dance Captain -Hannah McDermott
Crew & Creatives
Director – Gill Halford
Asst.Director/Choreographer – Sally Jolliffe
Production Manager – Wendy Elliott
Musical Arranger – Ben Kelly
Props Lead – Laura Henderson
Wardrobe Lead – Saira Roper
Lighting Design – Steve Roberts
Lighting Operators – Steve Roberts
Sound – Dik Thacker
Back stage Lead – Steve Sanday
Chaperone Lead – Corrina Jacob
DIRECTOR'S NOTES

The story of Robinson Crusoe originates from the novel ‘The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe’, written by Daniel Defoe and was first published in 1719. It’s considered one of the earliest examples of the English novel and was partly inspired by the real-life experiences of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who was marooned on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific (Más a Tierra, now called Robinson Crusoe Island) for four years (1704–1709). His survival story was widely publicised and fascinated the public. Crusoe’s journey was not just physical but also spiritual, reflecting themes of repentance, providence, and self-reliance. Robinson Crusoe became a symbol of the self-made man.
In our pantomime version of this tale, our hero Robinson and his adventurous friends sail away and are marooned on an island only for the length of time it takes to search for some long-lost treasure and get home in time for Christmas. Within traditional pantomime scenarios of downtrodden dames, heroes, heroines and villains our songs, dances and gags (which are liberally sprinkled with no attempt at subtlety), will send you home full of seasonal cheer!
Pantomime is the very definition of a collaborative effort and so I would like to offer a massive cheer to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this show – to the company, actors and back-stage teams; our chaperones ensuring that our junior performers are properly looked after; and to everyone in the front of house teams who look after you, our patrons, during your visit.
I love pantomime! I love the silliness, the traditions, the audience participation and the fact that it’s a genre of theatre where three (or more if you’re lucky) generations of one family can enjoy a show at the same time. I hope you are going to giggle your way through our production of Robinson Crusoe surrounded by people who are dear to you this festive season!
— Gill Halford, Director