Your Child Could Star in Cinderella This Christmas — Chelmsford Theatre is Calling!
Talented young performers aged 9–15 are invited to audition for the main stage panto at Chelmsford Theatre
Does your child love to perform? Do they light up on stage, sing in the kitchen, or spend their weekends at drama class? If so, Chelmsford Theatre has an unmissable opportunity that could see them step into the spotlight this Christmas — in front of thousands of people.
Chelmsford Theatre is looking for talented children aged 9 to 15 to star in this year's magical family pantomime, Cinderella. This is no school play or amateur production — this is the real thing: a fully professional West End-standard pantomime on one of Essex's biggest and most beloved stages.
The Show: Cinderella at Chelmsford Theatre
You shall go to the ball this Christmas, as Cinderella and friends arrive, carriage and all, at Chelmsford Theatre for the 2026 pantomime spectacular.
The story follows the kind but feisty Cinders, who puts up with the wickedness of her rotten stepsisters until one day she meets a dashing stranger and receives an invitation to a royal ball. There'll be fairy godmothers, major glow ups, plenty of magic, and a touch of ugly to delight audiences of all ages.
The production run takes place on the theatre's main stage between Friday 27 November 2026 and Sunday 3 January 2027. It follows in the footsteps of last year's record-breaking Aladdin, which became the best attended panto in the theatre's history, welcoming 29,198 visitors across 65 performances — filling 94% of all seats, with many performances selling out weeks in advance.
The Young Panto Company: Real Theatre Experience for Real Kids
Run by Chelmsford Theatre in association with One From The Heart, the Young Panto Company supports young children who love performing. It helps to build confidence and develop key creative skills by providing real experiences of working on a theatre production alongside a professional cast and crew.
Chelmsford Theatre Director Rhys Thomas is eager to see local young talent come forward:
"I'm really keen to see local young talent on the stage at Chelmsford Theatre and our Young Panto Company scheme provides a wonderful opportunity to engage budding young performers with the theatre and inject an extra bit of energy into our annual panto. This callout is perfect for any young people who have an interest in the performing arts. Theatre experience is helpful but not necessary — we just want to see your enthusiasm and joy shine through to our audiences!"
Producer Daryl Back of One From The Heart echoes this warmly:
"I think it's incredibly important for children to be part of professional shows in theatres. Not only does it add something very special to the production, but it also gives young people valuable experience of working with others in a professional setting. Each year, we see our Young Panto Company children thrive in a very supportive environment, and often the social development aspect becomes just as important to them as the performance itself. I'd strongly recommend that any interested young performers apply now before audition slots fill up."
Who Can Apply?
Children based in Chelmsford or the surrounding areas can apply. Applicants must be in school years 5–10 — aged 9 to 15 — on 1st December 2026 to take part.
No prior professional experience is required. This is a scheme built for young people with energy, passion and a love of performance — whatever their background.
Audition Day: Sunday 24th May 2026
Group auditions will take place on Sunday 24th May 2026 and will involve workshop-style games and dancing. It's designed to be a fun, relaxed and encouraging environment — so young performers can simply enjoy themselves and let their personality shine.
What Happens If Selected?
If selected, participants must be available from Sunday 1st November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027 for rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals for the children will take place during evenings and weekends only, to allow them to continue attending school during this period.
Following rehearsals, the ten young performers will be split into two groups, with the run of 65 panto performances divided between the groups. Applicants will require advance permission from their school to take time out of lessons in order to take part.
How to Apply
Don't let your child miss their chance to go to the ball. Audition spaces are limited and are expected to fill up quickly.
Apply online at: 🎭 chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/discover/discover-for-young-people/young-panto-company-2026
Audition Date: Sunday 24th May 2026 Performance Run: Friday 27th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027 Age Range: Years 5–10 (aged 9–15 on 1st December 2026) Venue: Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford, Essex
Could this be your child's moment to step into the spotlight? Chelmsford Theatre is ready to welcome the next generation of performers — and this Christmas, the glass slipper might just fit.