Pavilion Theatre, Worthing – 4th December 2025 – 6th January 2026
Cinderella at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing is the perfect pre-Christmas treat, guaranteed to get the audience in the festive mood. Running from 10th December 2025 to 4th January 2026, it has clearly been made and performed with a real affection for the tradition of pantomime and the Worthing crowd. Last year’s Robin Hood was a hit and this one picks up that energy and takes it up a notch, helped by a cast who look like they are having the time of their lives.
Front and centre is Puja Panchkoty as Cinderella, making her Worthing panto debut with a warmth that radiates all the way to the back row. Families who know her from her role as Jen in Andy’s Adventures already adore her and she brings that same charm here. She sings with a powerful voice that really soars and she has a natural rapport with the audience.
Paul Giddings returns to the Pavilion, once again taking on the double duty of performer and director. As Fairy Fou Fou he is an absolute scene stealer and easily the funniest person on stage. The moment he floats in with a knowing wink you can feel the younger kids perk up and the adults settle in for a treat. His comic timing is razor sharp, his qui[s are cheeky without tipping into anything crude and his costumes dazzle.
Jannine Pardo also returns, this time playing the Wicked Baroness and does so with relish. She has a bold, booming presence and the boos come thick and fast. She seems to enjoy every second of it which only encourages the crowd to get louder. It is proper pantomime villainy, all exaggerated wickedness and sly glances, but she never goes too far for the little ones. Her gorgeous vocals are always amongst the strongest on stage.
The Hardup Sisters, played by Jessica Spalis and Katherine Kotz, are outrageous in the best possible way. Their costumes are enormous, their personalities even bigger and they barrel around the stage with a confidence that earns roars of laughter. The two of them bounce off one another with a sort of joyful chaos that always feels on the edge of going off the rails but never actually does.
Harry Hodge as Prince Charming and Richard Edwards as Dandini make a likeable pair, with Hodge giving the prince enough personality to make him more than a decoration and Edwards keeping the comedy bubbling along and singing fantastically. Then there is Buttons, played by Dizzy, who is instantly adored. He is brave, silly, a bit soppy and a total favourite with the children. His scenes with Cinderella are tender and sweet while his scenes with the audience are a bouncing ball of energy.
The music choices keep things modern without feeling forced. Golden from K Pop Demon Hunters, Ordinary by Alex Warren and Where is My Husband by Raye had the youngsters singing along. The highlight though is the clever and completely bonkers version of the 12 Days of Christmas which has the entire cast racing about in a frenzy that becomes funnier each time the song loops around.
The dancers deserve a mention too because they give everything to every number. They are enthusiastic, polished and clearly enjoying being part of the show. By the end of Cinderella the Pantomime, the whole theatre feels wrapped in festive sparkle. It’s festive,, funny and packed with heart, perfect for families.
Cinderella the Pantomime review – 5 stars
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