Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime for Christmas (2020)

What makes Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime for Christmas special is how it turns a familiar fairy tale into a gleefully chaotic, big-hearted event—part comfort viewing, part comedy showcase—with Olivia Colman at the center like a master of ceremonies who knows exactly how to land a joke and keep the warmth intact. The “stay-at-home” format doesn’t shrink the fun; it sparks it, pushing the cast toward inventive bits, cheeky asides, and that unmistakable pantomime gusto that feels like a holiday tradition beamed straight into your living room. It’s witty, brisk, and packed with performers clearly enjoying themselves, which becomes contagious in the best way. If you don’t like broad British panto humor or you’re hoping for a straightforward, story-first Cinderella, it may not be your glass slipper—but if you want smart silliness with a charitable spirit, this is an easy yes.

This Comic Relief Cinderella is clearly trying to turn a lockdown limitation into a playful, charity-friendly pantomime, leaning on a stacked cast and the comfort of a familiar story. The problem is the Zoom-style format often drains the energy pantomime needs, so jokes land softly, physical comedy is basically off the table, and what should feel lively can start to feel like a sketch stretched past its natural runtime. A few performers still flash charm and goodwill, and if you’re a fan of the cast you may enjoy seeing them muck about for a good cause. But if you’re expecting tight comedy, big theatrical momentum, or anything resembling a proper pantomime experience, this is likely to feel amateurish and oddly tedious.