X Factor Winner to Serenade Cinderella in Redditch Panto
Redditch Palace Theatre has announced that X Factor Winner Ben Haenow will headline as Prince Charming in their magical family pantomime, Cinderella, from Monday 9th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020.
Singer/Songwriter Ben burst onto TV screens in 2014 where he won over the British public with his unique combination of down-to-earth charisma, self-deprecating humour and breath-taking vocal talent, going on to win the eleventh series of the UK’s favourite talent competition, X Factor.
Ben’s soulful rendition of Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine garnered a unanimous four ‘yeses’ at his first round X Factor audition in front of the formidable judging panel of Louis Walsh, Mel B, Cheryl and Simon Cowell. Introduced to the nation as the ‘Van driver from Croydon’, Ben sailed through the arena auditions, shone at the rigorous bootcamp round and finally found himself at Simon Cowell’s judges houses where he secured his place in the competitive Over 25’s category alongside eventual runner-up Fleur East.
Ben continued to impress both the judges and viewers alike throughout the gruelling 10 weeks of Saturday night live rounds. It was later revealed that from weeks four to ten Ben received the most public votes each week leading to the epic final watched by 9.9 million viewers which saw Ben crowned X Factor winner with a remarkable 57.2% of the votes.
Following his X Factor success, Ben has gone on to release a Platinum-selling self-titled debut album, topped the charts, achieving the coveted Christmas No.1 spot with X Factor single Something I Need and has collaborated with some of the music industry’s biggest names including Ed Sheeran, Queen and Kelly Clarkson.
Ben’s second studio album, Alive, achieved great popular and critical success showcasing Ben’s instantly recognisable husky rock voice as well as introducing his exceptional writing talent with a mixture of tracks ranging from uplifting to anthemic.
Cinderella will see Ben make his pantomime debut starring as Prince Charming as he joins a stellar line-up including Emmerdale’s Sapphire Elia as Cinderella, returning comic The Man They Call G as Buttons and award-winning Ugly Sisters Dean Horner and Oliver Gray.
Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “I am delighted to have secured Ben Haenow for his first pantomime. He will blow audiences away with his powerhouse voice, cheeky sense of humour and the exact amount of charm to make the perfect Prince”.
This year’s production of Cinderella promises to be more awe-inspiring than ever before with spectacular special effects, sparkling scenery and costumes along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun.
Cinderella runs at Redditch Palace Theatre from Monday 9th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01527 65203.
*Ben Haenow will not be performing on Sunday 15th December 2019.
