Theatre Royal Stratford East has announced its pantomime this festive season will be Cinderella, but with a twist.

Newham Recorder: Micah Holmes, playing the role of Chrishell (left), with Gigi Zahir who will be bringing a Cleopatra character to the stage (right)Micah Holmes, playing the role of Chrishell (left), with Gigi Zahir who will be bringing a Cleopatra character to the stage (right) (Image: The Other Richard)

Expect a unique take on the classic tale, set in the ancient home of Sphinx cats, pharoahs and featuring the empress Cleopatra.

This season's performance will run from Saturday, November 19 to Saturday, January 7 at the theatre in Gerry Raffles Square.

Newham Recorder: Gracie McGonigal will be playing CinderellaGracie McGonigal will be playing Cinderella (Image: The Other Richard)

Theatre Royal Stratford East's artistic director, Nadia Fall, said: "Panto is a huge part of Stratford East's history, and we can't wait to bring Cinderella to our stage this winter. 

Newham Recorder: Kathryn Bond will play the Sphinx character in the upcoming pantomimeKathryn Bond will play the Sphinx character in the upcoming pantomime (Image: The Other Richard)

"Each year, we rewrite a classic tale and bring something different to our audiences - something with all the fun and magic of panto, but that's also relevant to our audiences today.

Newham Recorder: Tendai Rinomhota, who will perform as Amanza (left), and Micah Holmes, playing Chrishell (right), in rehearsalsTendai Rinomhota, who will perform as Amanza (left), and Micah Holmes, playing Chrishell (right), in rehearsals (Image: The Other Richard)

"I'm delighted to welcome director and 2022 Sky Arts artistic associate Eva Sampson and celebrated playwright Leo Butler to our panto family, as well as welcoming back Robert Hyman for his 24th Stratford East panto!

"We can't wait to see what panto magic this brilliant team will conjure up this year."

Newham Recorder: The cast of Cinderella, rehearsing before their opening night on November 19The cast of Cinderella, rehearsing before their opening night on November 19 (Image: The Other Richard)

Stratford East's Cinderella will feature original music and comedy alongside impressive costumes and sets.

Tickets start at £10 for every performance of the show and prices increase as the theatre fills. Tickets can be bought at stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/cinderella.