Lady Bushra and Misty Chance, two of the brightest stars in Manchester’s LGBTQ+ drag scene, take centre stage in this enchanting production from eight-freestyle this December. Get ready to be captivated by their charisma and creativity as Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters – Veruca and Hernia – as they bring their unique flair to the classic rags-to-riches tale.
Lady Bushra, portrayed by comedian Amir, will step into the role of Veruca, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Amir’s alter ego, Lady Bushra, is celebrated for her stand-up comedy and lip-sync performances that seamlessly blend South Asian sensibilities with British humour.
Misty Chance, originally from Burnley, takes on the character of Hernia, another of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Her drag style is heavily influenced by classic British drag performers, and she actively supports local Manchester charities, notably as an Ambassador for The George House Trust.
Expect a fresh twist on the traditional storyline as Cinderella fights for her freedom from her cruel Stepsisters and their questionable fashion choices. Marvel at the inventions of Lord Stoneybroke, share laughs with Buttons, and help the Prince find true love, all set to an upbeat modern soundtrack of ballroom bangers mixed by DJ Dandini. The show stars eight-freestyle’s regular cast of all-singing, all-dancing performers, making it a treat for children of all ages – even the grown-up ones!
This year’s Cinderella pantomime not only features an exceptional LGBTQ+ cast but also emphasises sustainability through recycled costumes and a collaboration with Hart-Work. Hart-Work is a reworked clothing brand founded by Kimberly Hart-Simpson with the aim of promoting a positive buying experience and a goal to get people talking about clothing regardless of opinion. The production team is committed to reducing its environmental impact, making this an eco-conscious and inclusive event for all.
Sean Canning, Director of eight-freestyle, said:
“Directing Cinderella with this fabulous team has been an absolute ball! With the unrivalled energy of our cast and the brilliant collaboration with Contact Young Company, we’re confident this will be eight-freestyle’s best panto yet. We’re all about the magic of storytelling and the joy of pantomime, and this production brings both to life in the quirkiest, most sustainable way possible”.
For the first time, eight-freestyle is teaming up with Contact Young Company (CYC) to present a pantomime at Contact. Recognised for having a finger on the pulse of today’s most pressing issues, CYC are ready to bring a modern spin to this timeless story.
Keisha Thompson, Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, said:
“We’re over the moon to partner with eight-freestyle for another extraordinary production. With sustainability woven into the fabric of the show, it’s like Cinderella’s glass slipper – a perfect fit for our commitment to eco-conscious fun. And let’s not forget the wild creativity of Contact Young Company! Cinderella is going to be a hoot, showcasing that entertainment can be both a riot and responsible.”
Join us as we embark on a magical journey filled with laughter, love, and the true spirit of Christmas. Cinderella is set to be a dazzling spectacle that will warm hearts and inspire change.
Cinderella runs from Sat 9 December until Sunday 31 December. Tickets range from £15 – £25.
The run includes a range of access provisions, including BSL, captioned performances, relaxed conditions and a range of discounts.
For more information and to book tickets, please head here: www.contactmcr.com/events/
