Cinderella: Dream Pantomime Casting
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[**London Palladium**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/4/London-Palladium.aspx) confirmed their first panto, [**Cinderella**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1695/Cinderella-tickets.aspx) in 29 years. The venue used to be was once synonymous with annual pantomimes from 1948-1987, with the last production 'Babes in the Wood' starring Dame Barbara Windsor and Cannon & Ball. It attracted names such as Cilla Black, Ronnie Corbett and Julie Andrews but in a world where most casting is soap stars and reality tv celebrities who would be the dream names to star in [**Cinderella**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1695/Cinderella-tickets.aspx).
Photo credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
**Paul Merton**
Known for his work with Comedy Store players and as panellist on Have I got News for You Merton isn’t new to pantomime; having appeared in ITV’s efforts between 1998 and 2002 but he is due a return as a campy dame or a wise cracking sidekick.
**Sheridan Smith**
Smith starred in TV drama ‘Panto!’ in 2012 with John Bishop but she would make a fabulous **Cinderella** (she’s completely versatile), especially if the rumoured Britney Spears is indisposed, if she can find the time amongst her busy schedule.
**Helen Mirren**
It would be a long awaited return to the stage since The Audience and she would make a glamorous wicked stepmother and could bring some Jane Tennyson hardness to the role.
**Lily Savage**
Paul O’Grady’s creation would be the ultimate pantomime dame, if Paul was ever willing to don the wig and leopard print again, cheeky, sassy I wouldn't want to mess with this Wicked Stepmother.
**Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart**
Far too busy with [**No Man’s Land**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/626/No-Man-s-Land-tickets.aspx) but BFFs Ian and Patrick would make excellent Ugly Sisters. McKellen is no stranger to panto, playing Widow Twanky in the Old Vic 2004 production of Aladdin.
**Tom Hardy and Idris Elba**
This is from my own personal wish list as they are gorgeous but both have the cheeky charm to make a stunning pantomime appearance. Cinderella always needs a Prince Charming and a Buttons, perhaps they could alternate?
[**Cinderella**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1695/Cinderella-tickets.aspx) will run at the [**London Palladium**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/4/London-Palladium.aspx) for a limited Christmas season from 9 December to 15 January 2016.