Cinderella like you've never seen before

Le Navet Bete is back with their highly anticipated annual pantomime, and this year, Cinderella is bringing a gladiator with her. 

Exeter-based physical comedy theatre company, Le Navet Bete, has teamed up with the Northcott Theatre for the third year in a row to bring to audiences a wonderfully bizarre production across the festive period. 

In 2023, 24,000 people watched their version of Dick Whittington, which received a nomination for Best Pantomime (under 500 seats) at the Pantomime Awards. 

While Le Navet Bete’s three founders, Al Dunn, Nick Bunt, and Matt Freeman, built their reputation performing as a trio, this year's performance has a cast of 15, made up of six other professional actors and six local children. 

Above: Duckling Group. Image: Lillie Sherry

The six schoolchildren will all play Quackers the Duck after over 90 local 7-11 year olds auditioned for the part. 

Martin Berry, Northcott Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive who co-wrote the play with Le Navet Bete, says: “I can’t wait to get started with our wonderful cast, which represents some of the brightest talent in the South West. Being a part of Exeter Northcott’s pantomime is a real privilege, not least because it’s a chance to bring people of all generations together to make wonderful memories. And thanks to our audience’s generous support of our Pay It Forward campaign, we’re able to gift tickets to local people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go.”

Cinderella will be played by Devon-based actress Nicci Ashford, who has a rags-to-riches story of her own. 

Above: Nicci. Image: Lillie Sherry

Nicci worked as a successful mortgage broker for six years before COVID left her career in tatters. 

She decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being an actor and, after studying at East 15 Acting School, found success in British Theatre.

Nicci said: "I’m beyond excited to be playing such an iconic role at the brilliant Exeter Northcott Theatre and working alongside so many amazing people, from local legends Le Navet Bete to the kids playing Quackers the Duck and taking their very first steps—or waddles—on stage."

They will be joined on stage by Cornish-born Aaron Dart (2:22 A Ghost Story, UK tour) as Prince Farming; from Buckfastleigh, Bryony Maguire (Macbeth, Donmar Warehouse) as Dandini; Exeter-based Jodie Micchiché returning to the Northcott panto for the third year running as Countess Wear; and Somerset-based Mo Crook making her professional debut as an ensemble member and understudy alongside Tamsin Lynes (The Soldier’s Tale, Clapham Omnibus Theatre), from Totnes.

Above: Cast announcement

Al Dunn, part of Le Navet Bete’s trio of founders, said: “I don’t think audiences have ever seen a pantomime like this. It’s going to be absolute pandemonium on stage, and I think audiences and the cast together are going to create an absolutely rocking environment.”

Cinderella will run at Exeter Northcott Theatre from Thursday, November 28, 2024, until Sunday, January 5, 2025, with audio-described, BSL-interpreted, captioned, and relaxed performances available.

Watch the trailer and buy tickets here.