When 16-year-old Ella finds herself spending Christmas at dad’s house, she wishes she could be anywhere else. She’s expected to help out and forced to spend family time with her new stepmum. Worse still, her bedroom has been turned into a nursery for the noisiest, smelliest twin stepsisters you’ve ever seen.
Wishes are answered and Ella is whisked away to a magical world of castles, balls, and handsome princes. Yet it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. And, perhaps this isn’t the happily-ever-after ending Ella thought it would be?
From Olivier Award winner Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) and Roni Neale, with new songs by Matt Winkworth, this funny, fantastical retelling of the classic fairytale highlights the importance of family, wherever we may find it. Featuring members of our celebrated Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast, join us for our Christmas tradition in this mischievous new adventure about being careful what you wish for.
📍 Venue Description: The Rose Theatre Kingston is a contemporary producing theatre in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, southwest London. Inspired by the original Elizabethan Rose Theatre on Bankside, it features a modern adaptation of the Shakespearean thrust stage, creating an intimate, inclusive experience for audiences. The venue has become a cultural hub for the local community and a respected presence within the wider theatre landscape of Greater London.
Designed with both traditional and modern performance styles in mind, the Rose Theatre Kingston opened in 2008 following a campaign led by the acclaimed director Sir Peter Hall. Since then, it has built a reputation for high-quality productions, including classic revivals, new writing, family shows, and annual Christmas pantomimes. Its dedication to accessibility, education, and artist development has made it a cornerstone of Kingston’s creative identity.
### **The history of the Rose Theatre Kingston**
The Rose Theatre was founded by Sir Peter Hall, who envisioned a modern theatre that honoured the architectural principles of Shakespeare’s original Rose while embracing contemporary audiences and stagecraft. Designed by the architectural firm Haworth Tompkins, the theatre opened in January 2008 after a period of phased development that began with preview performances in a partially completed space.
Since its opening, the Rose has staged a wide variety of productions including _Hamlet_, _The Importance of Being Earnest_, _Captain Corelli’s Mandolin_, _The Caucasian Chalk Circle_, and _A Midsummer Night’s Dream_, attracting both renowned talent and new voices. In addition to its artistic programming, the theatre is home to youth drama programmes, community events, and educational outreach, with a mission to place creativity at the centre of everyday life in Kingston.
### **Where is the Rose Theatre Kingston**
The Rose Theatre is located at 24-26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HL. It's situated in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, a short walk from Kingston Station
### **Nearest tube station to Rose Theatre Kingston**
The Rose Theatre Kingston is not directly served by the London Underground. Visitors are advised to travel via London Waterloo, which offers direct overground rail connections to Kingston Station. From there, the theatre is approximately a 10-minute walk through Kingston town centre.
### **Nearest train to Rose Theatre Kingston**
The nearest train station is Kingston, served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo. Trains run frequently and journey times range from 25 to 35 minutes. The theatre is easily walkable from the station, and local signage will guide visitors to the venue.
### **Buses to Rose Theatre Kingston**
Kingston town centre is served by an extensive local bus network, with routes including the 65, 71, 281, 406, 418, 465, and K2 all stopping within a short walking distance of the Rose Theatre. There are regular services throughout the day and evening, offering convenient access from surrounding areas such as Richmond, Surbiton, and Wimbledon.
### **Rose Theatre Kingston seating plan**
The auditorium has a capacity of 822 and is arranged in a shallow bowl around a thrust stage, offering excellent sightlines and a close-up experience of the action. The layout includes four levels: the Front Stalls closest to the stage, Rear Stalls just behind, a Circle tier above, and an Upper Circle forming the top tier of the auditorium. The design was created to echo the shape and intimacy of the original Elizabethan Rose Theatre while meeting modern audience expectations for comfort and visibility.
The Front Stalls are particularly popular for immersive experiences, while the Circle offers a broader vantage point of the stage’s geometry. The configuration creates a sense of shared space between actors and audiences, enhancing the storytelling experience.
### **Rose Theatre Kingston accessibility**
Rose Theatre Kingston is fully committed to providing access for all patrons. The venue has level access from the street, lift access to all floors, and automatic doors throughout the public areas. There are ten designated wheelchair spaces located across the Stalls and Circle levels, and accessible toilets are available on every floor. The box office counter is designed to be easily accessible, and assistance dogs are welcomed throughout the building.
The theatre offers a range of accessible performances including audio-described shows, British Sign Language interpreted performances, captioned events, and relaxed performances tailored for neurodivergent audiences or those who benefit from a more informal environment. An infrared hearing loop system is available with both neck loops and stethoset receivers, which can be reserved in advance. The theatre has partnered with the Kingston Centre for Independent Living and has been recognised by Attitude is Everything with a Bronze Award for its accessibility work.
### **Rose Theatre Kingston safety policy**
The Rose Theatre Kingston is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors. Audience members may be subject to bag searches upon arrival, and large bags are not permitted in the auditorium.
Food and drink in glass containers are not permitted in the auditorium, and all photography, audio, or video recording is strictly prohibited during performances. Visitors are encouraged to check content warnings in advance, as some shows may include strobe lighting, loud sound effects, or potentially distressing material.
### **Rose Theatre Kingston dress code**
There is no formal dress code at the Rose Theatre Kingston. Audiences are welcome to dress comfortably, and smart casual attire is typical. The atmosphere at the Rose is relaxed and inclusive, allowing patrons to focus on the shared experience of live theatre without the pressure of dressing up. As with many contemporary theatres, the emphasis is on enjoyment and accessibility rather than formality.
🎉 Prepare to be amazed at
Cinderella, the most anticipated gathering of the season! 🌟 Set against the stunning backdrop of
Rose Theatre Kingston in vibrant
Kingston,
EN, this event promises to redefine your expectations. 📅 Mark your calendars for
November 26th, 2025 at
06:30 PM and get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of wonder and excitement. ✨ From the moment you arrive, you'll be transported into a world where memories are made and stories come alive. They have crafted an experience that perfectly harmonizes entertainment, innovation, and community spirit. 🎟️ Tickets are available at
19.00 GBP. 🌈 Join us as we create moments that will be discussed for years!
Also check out other Arts events in Kingston, Theatre events in Kingston, Performances in Kingston.
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