There is a real-life Cinderella story behind the enchanting production which is set to dazzle theatregoers at Shakespeare North Playhouse this Christmas.
24-year-old Tia Larsen is swapping her usual front-of-house duties at the Playhouse to take to the stage in the starring role of Cinderella in this year’s Christmas performance.
Tia has worked as part of the front-of-house visitor experience team at Shakespeare North Playhouse since it opened its doors three years ago, both as an usher and more recently in the box office – where she is currently selling tickets for her own show!
Tia said: “It’s so crazy it hasn’t sunk in yet, but the theatre just feels like home, and where I belong. And it feels extra special that it’s Christmas.”
In fact, it’s a double Cinderella moment for Tia after last Christmas when she was chosen as the understudy for the venue’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Then, cast illness meant she ended up stepping in for around 40 percent of the run, playing several different roles, including the White Rabbit, and winning critical acclaim for her performances.
“While being Cinderella this year does come with its own pressures, because I want to do as good a job as I did last Christmas, it will be nice to only have one role to really delve into and to be able to bring all myself to that character.”
“Being on that stage was always something I wanted to do, but I thought maybe would never happen. Going on for Alice in Wonderland opening night was quite nerve-wracking, but as soon as I stepped on that stage, all the stress vanished and I felt – this is exactly where I want to be. It’s just the best feeling in the world.”
What made it an even more special experience for Tia was the fact it was in the town where she was born, grew up and still lives, just five minutes from the theatre. As a child Tia trained in all types of dancing, but it was not until she reached Year 10 at secondary school that she chose to study performing arts more widely. From there she moved on to study performance at A Level before heading to drama school, taking an acting degree at Rose Bruford College in Wigan.
Since graduating three years ago, Tia has appeared at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and Royal Exchange and worked with the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and Rochdale-based M6 Theatre Company.
Cinderella is being given a very special Prescot twist in this captivating new adaptation by writer Nick Lane.
In the Kingdom of Prescotisia lives a young woman called Cinderella, whose world is turned upside down when her beloved mother suddenly disappears, and her father remarries. Even worse, it turns out Cinders’ new stepmother, Filania, is awful – and so are her two dreadful daughters!
When Prince Flarf of Crosbinia decides to throw a huge party, they are determined to be celebrated as the belles of the ball while Cinderella is left home alone.
But all is not lost because happily, help is at hand in the form of Fairy 23780, better known as Mandy, who is fresh from Fairy Godmother school and excited to be able to assist Cinderella to find her missing mum AND win the heart of the handsome prince to boot. Or rather, glass slipper.
Cinderella is packed with magical moments, favourite tunes, lots of laughs and a heartwarming message about family, friendship and self-discovery, this new production is the perfect family show for the festive season.
Tia will be joined on stage by Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt.
Cinderella is directed by Nicole Behan, the artistic director of Paperwork Theatre, who returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse for a second Christmas after acting as Associate Director for last season’s production of Alice in Wonderland.
Assistant director is Kate Treadell, while the creative team also includes Abigail Middleton as movement director and choreographer and Rob Green as composer and musical director, with set and costumes by Chloe Wynn and sound design from Ernest Acquah.
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“Tia truly impressed everyone last year with her professionalism and her talent in the role of Swing during Alice in Wonderland. To see her now take centre stage as Cinderella feels incredibly special.
“It’s a wonderful example of the amazing talent we have right here within our own team. Supporting and nurturing performers like Tia is something we’re passionate about at Shakespeare North Playhouse, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her shine both on and off the stage.”
Asked what type of Cinders she hopes to be, Tia said: “I want her to have backbone! She’s definitely not weak or afraid, it’s just she thinks more of the consequences for other people and of the love she has for her dad and her mum.”
Cinderella opens to the public on Friday 21 November 2025 and runs until 10 January 2026. You can book tickets here.
