Thanks to a partnership with Norfolk County Council Fostering Service, the Theatre Royal is donating 500 tickets to their pantomime, Cinderella for “children and young people who are in care and their dedicated foster families”.
One of the cast members, Jeevan Braich, who plays Dandini, and previously starred in Starlight Express among many other productions, is a care leaver himself. He says, “Cinderella’s story has always meant something to me. She was always dreaming for something better. Moments of joy helped guide me through some difficult times, and I want young people in care to know that those moments can spark real hope. Their path can lead somewhere brighter, just like mine did.”
Kids in care
Norfolk’s Foster East states that “we provide a safe family environment for around 500 children in Norfolk.” Growing up in foster care can be lonely. All too often those children, despite the best efforts of both the council and their foster families, feel abandoned and find it difficult to navigate the world in which they find themselves. Others thrive in a new environment away from an abusive and disruptive family.
Sadly, Norfolk County Council’s fostering service reports, “ around five children and teenagers a week come into care in Norfolk and we are in urgent need of more foster families to work with us.”
Shining a light on family through Creative Matters
2025 marks Norwich Theatre’s 10th Creative Matters season, titled the Shape of the Family. Throughout the year the theatre has put on plays and performances to highlight the difficult world experienced by so many families. From examining grief through a March dance performance and a creative writing workshop based on Michael Rosen’s Sad Book performed by the 201 dance company to this month’s Cinderella, dedicated to foster families and children in care, through its productions, the theatre has navigated many aspects of the complex world of family life.
Why pantomime still matters at Christmas
Recently, the Theatre Royal carried out a survey to evaluate the importance of panto on everyday lives and how this festive tradition has a profound and positive influence on everyone.
- 80% of people surveyed felt happier after watching a pantomime.
- 85% consider a trip to the panto an essential part of their Christmas celebrations.
- For half of all respondents, the pantomime is the absolute highlight of the festive season.
Cinderella’s was, “a young girl who did not come from a happy home, [and the performance will] spotlight the importance of love, stability and safety that every child deserves. Together, the hope is to raise awareness of the urgent need for more foster families across Norfolk, while recognising and offering foster families a shared moment of joy and connection.”
A performance filled with kindness, connection and hope
Cinderella offers hope, joy and happiness – the hero doesn’t have to be a prince in real life – just someone kind, thoughtful and caring – a few riches might help!
If you’re thinking of visiting Cinderella, tickets are on sale now and the season runs from 6 December up until 4 January. Visit www. norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office at 01603 630 000 to reserve your seat. Enjoy the show!
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