Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of Hackney Empire's 2017 Panto CINDERELLA, Starring Aisha Jawando

Hackney Empire today announces casting for its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, having last been staged at the venue in 2011. Established West End performer Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical, Beautiful) will be stepping into the glass slippers of the title role. She will be joined by Hackney Empire pantomime legends Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in character below!

Peter Straker (Hair, Tommy) will reprise the role of Baron Hardup, having last played the role in 2011, Darren Hart (Justin's House, Gigglebiz) will play Buttons and writer and director Susie McKenna (Cats, Ragtime) will also be taking on the role of Wicked Stepmother. Making their Hackney Empire pantomime debuts will be West End performers Stephane Anelli (Saturday Night Fever, Singing in the Rain) as Dandini and Chris Jenkins (Billy Elliot, War of the Worlds) as Prince Charming. The production will also feature Sharon D Clarke and Clarke Peters as the voices of Duchess and Duke Mouse.

The cast will also include Chloe Ames, Thomas Audibert, Andrew Carthy, Raffaella Covino, Sinead Long and Dale White. Cinderella will run from Saturday 18 November - Sunday 31 December with press night on Thursday 23 November.

Marking their 19th pantomime for Hackney Empire, Cinderella will be written and directed by Susie McKenna with original music by Steven Edis. The award-winning team has been the creative force behind London's number one pantomime for nearly two decades and will once again be bringing a classic story bang up to date.

This Christmas, Harlem meets Hackney in the classic rags to riches tale of Cinderella. In true Hackney Empire style that brings West End value at East End prices, this magical, family pantomime will be packed with glittering sets, big song and dance numbers, slapstick comedy plus a flying horse, all played out in the beautiful Victorian Theatre.

Cinderella will have Production Design by Lotte Collett, Musical Direction by Mark Dickman, Lighting Design by Paul Anderson, Sound Design by Adam Fisher, Choreography by Richard Roe, Assistant Direction by Matt Dempsey and Creature Design by Scott Brooker.

CINDERELLA, A Hackney Empire Pantomime, begins at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ on Saturday 18 November for a run through Sunday 31 December. Opening Night is Thursday 23 November, 7pm. For tickets (£36.50 - £10) and more information, visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk or call 020 8985 2424. Note: Children under 14 years need to be accompanied at all times by a paying adult.