With panto season less than 200 days away (oh yes it is!) The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Newport have announced their first returning star taking to the stage as part of Cinderella this Christmas and New Year.
Prepare to boo and hiss at Cinderella’s Ugly Sister, otherwise known as Richard Elis!
Richard Elis is a Riverfront pantomime favourite, having previously played the roles of Muddles Midges in last year’s Sleeping Beauty where audiences saw him swinging around as Spiderman, travelling in a TARDIS, fighting the dragon and of course running from his beloved lawnmower, cursed to pursue him by the evil witch.

Welsh actor, Richard Elis will return to Newport’s Riverfront Theatre for the 2019-20 panto season in Cinderella.
He also starred as the Genie in Aladdin, for which he was nominated for Best Song Sheet at the Great British Panto Awards. As well as numerous Riverfront panto credits, fluent Welsh speaker Richard from Towy Valley is also recognisable for his extensive TV, advert and theatre work, including being the first ever Welsh character on Eastenders.
Olivia Harris, Creative Producer at The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre said “We are delighted that Richard will be back with us this Christmas. He is much loved by our audiences and our staff here at The Riverfront and never fails to bring the panto magic with him. I hope you’re ready Newport, because this year’s panto is going to be bigger and funnier than ever before.”
Cinderella promises to be The Riverfront’s biggest and most exciting pantomime ever full of magical moments, sparkling costumes, exciting song and dance routines and of course some spectacular surprises! There will be fun for all the family as Cinders outwits her evil stepsisters with the help of her best friend Buttons and a little bit of magic.
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To “bibbidy, bobbidy book” your Cinderella tickets visit tickets.newportlive.co.uk or call 01633 656757. Keep an eye on The Riverfront’s social media channels as more pantomime news and announcements will be coming very soon.