We explored behind the scenes of Cinderella(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

The best photos from behind the scenes at Cardiff's 2024 Christmas pantomime

by · Wales Online

For many people, Christmas is not Christmas without going to a pantomime to enjoy festive cheer. This year the Christmas pantomime in Cardiff is Cinderella, starring Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans.

The pantomime is running at the New Theatre until Sunday, January 5 and we went behind the scenes of a matinee performance, to see the show in action. This Edwardian theatre, which has been standing and open to the public since 1906, is exactly like how you would picture what the backstage of a theatre is like.

It is slightly old and dated and full of twisting and winding corridors, that all look the same, with staircases appearing out of nowhere, creating the labyrinth that is the backstage. The dressing rooms are explosions of life with everything from makeup, costumes, flowers, tea, coffees, and snacks, including bananas and chocolate visible everywhere.

Many cast members dart in and out of each other's dressing rooms with Gethin, Owain and Cardiff theatre legend Mike Doyle, all cosily sat chatting with their dance captain Sinéad Courtney. There was a strong sense of community and friendship amongst the cast who clearly all genuinely enjoyed being in each other's company.

There was a real buzz in the air, we arrived an hour before showtime, as last-minute rehearsals finished and the set began to take shape. Everywhere there was something to look at and the air was thick with the smell of perfume, deodorant and hairspray. Although it might seem slightly chaotic, it is clearly a well-oiled machine that ran of excitement.

Watching from the wings during the first act and after chatting with Gethin and Mike it was clear to see they all have a love for the theatre, especially Mike. They are fuelled by passion, love and excitement which is tangible in the air. Read the full account of our backstage visit, with interviews with the cast, here.

Here are some of the best pictures:

Hair and makeup must be done before the show and the dressing are explosions of life with everything from makeup, costumes, flowers, tea, coffees, and snacks, including bananas and chocolate visible(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Give us a pout!(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The set comes together as everyone pulls their weight, there is a strong sense of community(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The stars gather in one dressing room(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
There were some last minute adjustments to costumes by the talented seamstress(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)