Budding young performers invited to audition for Cinderella at Chelmsford Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre is looking for talented children aged 9 to 15 to star in this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella.

The theatre’s beloved annual panto is extremely popular with local audiences and very well-attended throughout the festive season. Last year’s Aladdin became its best attended production of all time, welcoming 29,198 visitors over five weeks.

This year, the theatre will present the popular fairy tale, Cinderella. Telling the story of 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!

Young Panto Company provides real theatre experience for local children

The Young Panto Company supports young children who love performing. It helps to build confidence and develop key creative skills in young performers by providing real experiences of working on a theatre production alongside a professional cast and crew.

Young Panto Company children on stage in previous Chelmsford Theatre productions.

Run by Chelmsford Theatre in association with One From The Heart, the company is now looking to recruit children to join this year’s panto cast on the theatre’s main stage between Friday 27 November 2026 and Sunday 3 January 2027.

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says the theatre is looking for children with plenty of energy to share on stage:

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“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 to shine through to our audiences!”

Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director

Daryl Back, Producer at One From The Heart, says the Young Panto Company scheme provides important theatre experience for local children:

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“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.”

Daryl Back, Producer, One From The Heart

Children from school years 5–10 invited to apply

Children based in Chelmsford or the surrounding areas can apply for the callout. Applicants must be in school years 5–10 (age 9–15) on 1 December 2026 to take part. The theatre welcomes diverse applicants with a passion for dancing and singing. Group auditions will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026 and will involve workshop-style games and dancing.

Rehearsals and performances

If selected, participants must be available from Sunday 1 November 2026 to Sunday 3 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.

Apply for a Young Panto Company audition space online at: chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/discover/discover-for-young-people/young-panto-company-2026/

Book your festive panto outing now

Cinderella and her friends arrive for a ball at Chelmsford Theatre on Friday 27 November. Tickets are selling fast for this classic rags to riches story, so make sure to book yours soon and enjoy a wonderful family experience this Christmas.