Christmas Creative Team announced for "Cinderella: A Fairytale"
4 Jun 2026
A beloved Bristol-born fairytale returns home in a magical new production.
Bristol Old Vic today announces the creative team behind its Christmas 2026 production, Cinderella: A Fairytale, the Olivier Award-nominated adaptation devised by Bristol artists Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company.
Opening in December 2026, this brand-new production will bring the much-loved story back to its hometown, fifteen years after it was first staged at Tobacco Factory, before delighting audiences across the UK.
Following the death of her mother, the free-spirited Ella seeks solace in the woods surrounding her and her father’s home, enchanted by the birds that roost peacefully in the trees. When her father remarries, Ella’s feathered friends begin to feel like her only true family, until a mysterious boy who shares her love of birdwatching stumbles upon her woodland hideout. In his hand is an invitation to the Royal Ball…
This dazzling and inventive retelling of the classic Grimm Brothers tale will be directed by Bristol Old Vic’s Literary & Directors Associate, Lisa Gregan. Lisa has worked extensively across theatre, opera and community arts, collaborating with organisations including Bristol Old Vic, Scottish Opera, the National Theatre of Scotland, Travelling Light and the Tron Theatre. Since joining Bristol Old Vic in 2014, she has played a central role in developing work with young artists and emerging performers, creating productions that champion inclusivity, creativity and social engagement, including the hugely ambitious 100-strong community production Under a Cardboard Sea and the recent Orpheus & Eurydice. Other directing work includes the Christmas show Little Red & Other Winter Tales (Bristol Old Vic), The Tin Forest (National Theatre Scotland) and as Associate Director, Treasure Island and Igloo (BOV/Traveling Light). Lisa leads a creative team that celebrates some of the most exciting theatre-makers working in Bristol and beyond.
Lisa Gregan said: "To be bringing Cinderella: A Fairytale back to Bristol, where it was first created, feels incredibly special. Sally, Adam and the original company created something truly magical, and I’m delighted to be working with this brilliant creative team to reimagine the story for Bristol Old Vic audiences. At its heart, it’s a tale about finding connection, courage and hope, and I can't wait to share it with audiences this Christmas."
Joining the production is award-winning Set, Costume and Puppetry DesignerRachael Canningwhose recent work includesMy First Cinderella (English National Ballet); Macbeth (Hull Truck Theatre/tour),Beauty and the Beast(Citizens Theatre) andFleabag (Theatr Clywd). Alex Heaneis a Bristol-based Composer and Musical Director, whose work includes Romeo & Juliet (Salisbury Playhouse), (Theatre Royal Bath), Up Down Big Man (Myrtle Theatre) and The Odyssey (The Egg Theatre). This marks his composing debut for Bristol Old Vic.As a musician, Alex has worked at Bristol Old Vic on previous Christmas shows including The Little Mermaid and The Little Matchgirl.
Chi-San Howard returns to Bristol Old Vic as Movement Director, after the spectacular Treasure Island last Christmas. Her other credits include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (The Ambassadors, West End and The Public Theater, New York); Relics (Lyric Hammersmith); Hansel & Gretel and Cymbeline (Shakespeare’s Globe) and Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre, West End and UK Tour).
Lighting Designer Mike Gunning’s extensive career includes work with Royal Opera House, English National Opera and across Europe. Recent theatre credits include Kneehigh’s Ubu! (Kneehigh); The Brothers Size (Young Vic/UK tour); and Measure for Measure (RSC).
Elena Peña returns to Bristol Old Vic as Sound Designer where her previous credits include The Beautiful Future is Coming, The Caretaker and A Good House (also with Royal Court) and her career has seen her work extensively across the UK for theatre companies including RSC, Royal Court, National Theatre, Kiln, Out of Joint and Royal Exchange.
Casting DirectorRuby Gilmour, is also Casting Assistant for where she supports casting across productions, workshops and readings.
Original co-creator Adam Peck also returns to the production, helping to bring this cherished adaptation back to life for a new generation of audiences. Adam is a Bristol-based Olivier and OFFIE award-winning writer who was an associate at Bristol Old Vic from 2013-2024. His extensive credits include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (West End & UK Tour), A Monster Calls (The Old Vic, London), Oliver Twist and 101 Dalmatians (Tobacco Factory Theatres), Orpheus & Eurydice and Belle & Sebastian (Bristol Old Vic).
Adam Peck said: "Fifteen years on from when we originally created Cinderella: A Fairytale, based on the Grimm Brothers’ tale, I am thrilled to see it come home to Bristol in this brand-new production."
Sally Cookson has a long association with Bristol Old Vic, both as a director (including Peter Pan, Jane Eyre, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt, Treasure Island) and as co-founder of Bristol Old Vic Young Company.
She received an Olivier Award forA Monster Calls(Old Vic, London) winning best family and entertainment in 2019, and three Olivier nominations for Peter Pan(National Theatre/ Bristol Old Vic), Hetty Feather (Kenny Wax Productions), and Cinderella: A Fairytale (The Other Palace). Her Bristol Old Vic-originated productions of Jane Eyre and Peter Pan have been made into National Theatre Live films.
Sally Cookson said:“It is quite lovely to hand the baton on to Lisa and her team at Bristol Old Vic to bring new life to our adaptation. Lisa is not only a cherished friend but also a director with a powerful imagination and one who truly understands the importance of collaboration and ensemble – Ican’t wait to see what she cooks up!”
Combining music, movement, puppetry and inventive storytelling, Cinderella: A Fairytale promises a festive theatrical adventure for audiences of all ages when it returns to Bristol in November 2026. Further casting and production details will be announced in the autumn.
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