Maddy Sets the Stage
Hello my lovely darlings, Maddy the ragdoll here. Full of good cheer and a sparkle in my button eyes. Plus a really fabulous wand that glows with enchantment! Now are you ready for a brand new wonderful fairy story? Because here is my delightful Cinderella Fairy Tale Reimagined!
Let me introduce you…. Once upon a threadbare time, in a land so colourful it could rival your crayon box, there lived a kind-hearted ragdolly girl called Ella. But, oh dear, she didn’t have it easy, did she? This tale might sound familiar—it’s my own twist on Cinderella, marvellously reinvented and simply bursting with a lot more laughter, bags more love, and plenty of joy to warm your hearts. Grab your popcorn and brace yourselves—this story’s got more twists and turns than my sewing kit, every moment is stitched with magic! Fairy tales have always been a source of magic and wonder, as explored in the British Library’s collection of fairy tales.
The Whimsical Tale of Ragdoll Cinderella
A Ragged Beginning in a Mystical Forest
Once upon a spool of thread, in the heart of a mystical and colourful forest, there stood a quaint little home called Cottontail Cottage. Here lived a hardworking ragdoll named Ella, with her not-so-delightful family. Whose days were filled with mending, cleaning, and putting up with her dreadful relatives.
The residents of the cottage were a curious mix. Namely, the self-proclaimed “Fabulous Sisters,” the Rocking Koala and the Rocking Panda, were as bossy as they were lazy. They spent their days preening, rocking on their bases, and dreaming of fame. Whilst their mouths never stopped moving. As they barked orders at Ella or schemed about how to climb the social ladder. They delighted in calling her “Scrapheap Ella” and laughed as they tossed scraps of fabric at her to clean.
But towering above them in both size and wickedness was Croc Chasey, the infamous stepmother. With her snapping jaws and beady eyes, she ruled the household with a sharp tongue and an even sharper tail.
From Princess Dreams to Kitchen Nightmares
Poor Ella’s life was all chores and no charm. Every morning, she woke up before dawn, her patchwork hands blistered from scrubbing, cooking, and cleaning. The Ugly (oops, sorry – Fabulous!) Sisters loved making life miserable, tossing lentils into the fireplace just to watch Ella sort them out grain by grain. When the cinders stained her once-colourful frock, they mockingly named her Cinderella.
“Look at our sooty little princess! You’ll need more than fairy dust to fix that mess!” Rocking Koala chortled.
“And a bath!” added Rocking Panda.
Ella’s Never-Ending To-Do List: Chores, Taunts, and a Glimmer of Joy
“It’s behind you!” called Croc Chasey, pointing to a pile of laundry Ella had yet to finish. Not content with that: “Ella, you wretched ragdoll, stop lazing around!” snapped Croc Chasey one morning. “Fetch water! Sweep the floors! And do something about that ridiculous smile!”
Karen Koala and Polly Panda joined in.
“Oh yes! Go polish my bamboo rocking chair,” sneered Karen.
“And don’t forget to stitch up my sash—it’s falling apart because of your shoddy craftsmanship!” added Polly.
Right on cue: “Oh no, she didn’t!” shouted Old Ted – alias Buttons. So called because he so adores buttons.
So, Ella spent her days stitching, cleaning, and dreaming of adventures beyond the forest. Although ragged and overworked, she always found joy in the company of her best friends: Old Ted, a cheerful yet absent-minded button collector, and Woof, a spirited, talkative dog with an uncanny sense of humour. Besides a wagging tail and amazing knack for mischief.
A Ball and a Bark: The Invitation That Changed Everything
One bright morning, as Ella hung a garland of ribbons to dry, a smart royal bird swooped into the cottage with a gleaming envelope in its beak. Regardless of good manners, Croc Chasey immediately snatched it and read avidly. significantly, the Grand Prince Robin Ragdoll was hosting two magnificent balls followed by a grand finale at King George’s Castle. Notably smiling, she read aloud:
“By order of King George, every doll, toy, and creature in the kingdom is invited to two grand balls at Fantail Hall and Foxtail Villa, culminating in a final celebration at King George’s Castle! The Prince seeks his one true love.”
The rocking sisters squealed in delight. “This is our chance to shine. Finally, the Prince will see how fabulous we are!” Koala shrieked.
“Move over, I’m the star!” Panda retorted, rocking furiously.
Ella’s button eyes lit up. “Can I go too?” she asked hopefully.
“Oh no, you can’t!” barked Croc Chasey, snapping her tail for emphasis. “Who’d want to dance with a scruffy ragdoll like you? Stay home and polish the glitterware. No one wants you embarrassing us!”
Ella’s Hopes Dashed: A Test of Kindness and Courage
Desperate to attend the grand ball, Ella begged Croc Chasey for permission. “Please, Stepmother, if I finish all my chores—”
“Oh, all right,” the crocodile interrupted with a wicked grin. “But first, sort these grains of rice!” She tossed two heaping bowls of rice grains into the ashes. dismayed, but unbeaten, Ella started the mementous task. Then – whoosh! In swooped her feathered friends—parakeets, robins, sparrows—picking up the tiny rice pieces in a flurry of chirps and fluttering wings. but all to no avail.
“not good enough! You have no dress, no shoes, and no charm! Stay in the kitchen where you belong.” screeched out Croc Chasey.
Heartbroken, Ella cried into the cinders. However, her friends valiantly tried to help.
“Oh yes, she can!” Woof said defiantly, wagging his tail. but Chasey’s tail snapped with a thwack, sending him scurrying.
“Quiet, mutt!” snapped Chasey. The sisters burst into laughter. While poor Ella sighed, her yarn heart sinking. And returned to her stitching as the sisters preened themselves, oblivious to the kindness they lacked.
Enter Maddy the Marvellous
That evening, as the rocking sisters bickered over who deserved the most ribbons on their ball outfits, Ella sat by the fireplace. Her heart was heavy as she mended a tear in her patchwork apron in the candlelight. Suddenly, magical sparkle filled the room. And in a puff the room filled with a burst of glimmering thread and a pop of confetti. Maddy the ragdoll Fairy Godmother appeared!
“Ta-da! Darling Ella,” Maddy cooed, spinning her spools of thread. “You look like you need a little glitter in your life.”
Ella gasped. “Who… who are you?”
“Your Fairy Godmother, darling!” Maddy declared, adjusting her pincushion hat, her needle-wand glinting in the firelight. “And we’ve got work to do! You’re going to the ball.”
But I have no dress,” Ella whispered, “and no way to get there…”
“Nonsense!” Maddy said with a dramatic wave of her needle. “What’s a Fairy Godmother for? Now, where’s that glitter glue? And let’s stitch up some magic along the way!
A Crafty Transformation: A Cinderella Fairy Tale
At Maddy’s call, a flurry of birds, mice, and forest critters scurried in, their tiny paws and wings busy collecting fabric scraps, glitter, and glue. A squirrel deftly tied ribbons into bows, while sparrows placed sequins in perfect patterns. Everyone loved Maddy.
Then, with a swish of her needle-wand, Maddy turned Ella’s old patchwork apron into a breathtaking gown of felt flowers, sequins, and shimmering ribbons. Finally, she added a headband of lace and a pair of glittering pom-pom slippers.
“For transportation,” Maddy said, surveying the toy chest, “let’s get creative.”
Out came a shiny red fire engine, a polka-dot tea cart, and a wind-up train. And so many toy car vehicles, that Maddy was spoilt for choice. With a few flicks of her wand, the tea cart transformed into a royal carriage pulled by four wind-up mice. This truly was a Cinderella fairy tale, thought Woof.
“Remember, you must return by midnight, or poof! Everything reverts,” Maddy warned. “ and no shortcuts! Oh, and take Woof with you—he’s your Dandini!” Woof wagged his tail happily.
Ella beamed as her heart swelled with gratitude. “Oh, thank you, Maddy! This truly is a Cinderella fairy tale!”
Fantail Hall: The First Ball
Ella arrived at Fantail Hall, her carriage gleaming under the starry sky. The moment she stepped into the ballroom, her arrival met with gasps of admiration. The rocking ugly sisters, decked in gaudy ribbons, didn’t recognize her but whispered furiously about the mysterious beauty.
Prince Robin, a dashing boy ragdoll with a charming smile, not to mention, brilliantly dapper bowtie, spotted her and immediately made his way through the crowd. “May I have this dance?” he asked, his ragdoll cheeks turning crimson.
Oh yes,” Ella replied, her cheeks glowing under her button eyes.
As they danced, the rocking sisters tried to cut in, only to slip on their wobbly bases straight onto a potted plant. Altogether, the crowd roared with laughter. “It’s behind you!” someone shouted as one sister tumbled. Ella twirled and laughed, feeling more alive than ever.
Just as the clock struck midnight, Ella remembered Maddy’s warning. “I must go!” she cried, running out of the hall and leaving behind a single glittering pom-pom slipper as she rushed to her carriage. Alongside a particularly baffled Prince Robin.
Foxtail Villa: The Second Ball
The next night, the Prince hosted the second ball at Foxtail Villa, determined to find the owner of the slipper.
Ella, with Maddy’s help, arrived in another stunning creation: a gown made of pink painted feathers, shiny buttons, and silver threads.
“Will he recognize me?” Ella asked Maddy nervously.
“Of course, darling. You’re unforgettable!” Maddy winked.
As soon as Ella entered, Prince Robin’s face lit up. “You came back!”
This time, they danced even longer. Indeed, the Prince couldn’t believe how kind, funny, and creative Ella was.
Meanwhile, the rocking sisters tried to get his attention by performing clumsy twirls. One slipped and landed in the punch bowl, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter.
“Oh no, she didn’t!” cried one guest.
“Oh yes, she did!” yelled another.
But as the clock struck midnight, Ella panicked and ran again, leaving Prince Robin with nothing but another slipper—and a determination to find her.
The Grand Finale at King George’s Castle: A Stitch in Time
By the time of the final ball at King George’s Castle, Prince Robin had launched a kingdom-wide search. And every doll, toy, and creature in the kingdom tried on the glittering slippers. But none fit! The ugly sisters shoved and shrieked as Croc Chasey demanded they be allowed to try. Then, Croc Chasey, ever the schemer, tried to wedge the rocking sisters’ feet into the shoes, but their chunky bases made it impossible.
Ella had almost given up hope. But Old Ted and Woof had a plan. And her friends weren’t about to let her miss her chance. Together they convinced Fairy Godmother Maddy to whip up another gown.
“Please, Fairy Godmother,” they begged. “Make another Cinderella Fairy tale gown.”
Zing! Threads of gold sparkled in the firelight, and a pair of tiny shoes, embroidered with moonlight, landed beside it. Ella gasped.
“It’s your time to shine!” Old Ted said, handing her a glittering ribbon.
“Follow my nose!” Woof barked, sniffing the air.
“Let’s get busy!” Smiled Maddy.
So, with Maddy’s help, Ella arrived at the castle in her most dazzling creation yet: a shimmering dress of starlight fabric, adorned with painted clouds, sparkling beads and beautiful gold bow.
When Prince Robin saw her, he knew instantly. Whilst his yarn heart skipped a beat. “It’s you!” he cried, holding up the slippers.
Ella smiled as he slipped them onto her feet. They slid perfectly onto her feet as if they had always belonged. Ella smiled. “Yes, and this time, I’m not running away!”
The ballroom erupted in cheers. Croc Chasey and her daughters tried to sneak away, but Woof barked, “It’s behind you!” to the delight of the crowd.
Happily Ever After, Ragged and Real: With Panto Fun!
Prince Robin and Ella danced the night away in music and magic, joined by all their friends. Including Old Ted, Woof, and even Maddy, who started a conga line. Then Maddy started a glitter cannon, Old Ted led the Teddy Bear Rock and Woof showed off his dance moves.
Croc Chasey and the rocking sisters? Well, the rocking sisters, embarrassed, tried to sneak out, but Woof barked, “It’s behind you!” The crowd roared as Croc Chasey scurried after them, her tail knocking over a tower of cakes. Stuck outside, the ugly sisters and Croc Chasey were left sulking on the sidelines.
From that day on, Ella’s life sparkled with creativity, kindness, and joy. Both she and Prince Robin filled their lives with laughter, crafts, and colourful adventures. As a result, they made the kingdom brighter, proving that even the scruffiest ragdoll can shine. Ultimately, transcending even the brightest glitter.
And they all lived happily ever after, with plenty of pom-poms, laughter and jolly good panto fun. And having a stitchingly good time!
Maddy’s Grand Cinderella Fairy Tale Finale
“Well, my darlings, that’s the stitch of it!” Hang on just got to adjust my pincushion hat and twirl my magic wand. “that’s how our Ella, with a heart full of kindness and a sparkle of magic, found her happily ever after. Who knew that a little ragdoll’s tale, like those treasured at the V&A Museum of Childhood, could inspire so much joy? Certainly, Ella’s journey—a Cinderella fairy tale with a dash of mischief, reminds us all that courage and kindness can sew the most dazzling endings. But here’s the real magic .Don’t you forget, lovebugs, your own story is waiting to sparkle! So, grab your glitter glue, laugh loud, love boldly, and never stop dreaming. After all, what’s life without a little magic? Until next time, keep shining and threading those happy-ever-afters!”
Meet the Cast: The Toy Centre’s Star-Studded Panto Ensemble
 | Ella Ragdoll ‘Cinderella’ | Meet Ella the Ragdoll: Theatre’s Newest Star Ella the Ragdoll, fresh off the shelf and straight into the spotlight, is making her theatrical debut! With zero prior experience (unless you count being tossed onto a toy shelf), this is her first major role, and she’s sew excited she might burst a seam. Especially known for her floppy charm and button-eyed optimism, Ella is ready to thread her way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. Truly making a beautiful Cinderella Fairy Tale come true. Watch out, Broadway—Ella’s coming unstuffed in the best way possible! Perfect for fans of laugh-out-loud theatre and wholesome, rag-to-riches tales. |
 | Woof ‘Dandini’ | Introducing Woof: The Panto Pro Woof, the cuddly canine with a nose for showbiz, has been stealing scenes and hearts for years! A true veteran of the pantomime stage, Woof absolutely loves everything about panto—from the belly laughs to the boos and hisses. With a tail that wags at the speed of applause, this seasoned pup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether he’s barking out punchlines or digging up comic gold, Woof is always the good boy of the spotlight. Perfect for panto enthusiasts and anyone who believes theatre is paws-itively better with dogs! |
 | Old Ted ‘Buttons’ | Meet Old Ted: Shakespeare’s Fuzziest Thespian Old Ted isn’t just a teddy bear—he’s a classically trained master of toy theatre Shakespeare! With years of experience performing the Bard’s greatest hits (and an uncanny ability to keep his stuffing together during soliloquies), Old Ted brings gravitas and charm to every role. From “Teddy Lear” to “Much Ado About Stuffing,” his performances are bear-none. Whether it’s iambic pentameter or panto pandemonium, Old Ted is ready to prove that Shakespeare and snuggles are a match made in theatre heaven. Perfect for lovers of classic theatre with a plush twist! |
 | Rocking Koala & Rocking Panda ‘Ugly Sisters’ | Introducing Rocking Koala & Rocking Panda: The Dynamic Rocking Duo Hold onto your seats—literally! As Rocking Koala and Rocking Panda are the lively duo bringing their back-and-forth rhythm (and occasional squeaky hinges) to the stage. These two rocking-chair critters started their careers providing emotional support in nurseries but have since found their groove in the theatre world. |
 | Croc Chasey ‘Wicked Stepmother’ | Meet Croc Chasey: The Snappiest Star of Panto Pandemonium Croc Chasey is a true stalwart of the panto stage, bringing chaos, charisma, and just the right amount of bite to every performance. Being known for his razor-sharp wit and villainous flair, he’s the baddie audiences love to boo. Whether he’s chasing down heroes or snapping out sassy one-liners, Croc Chasey always steals the show (and maybe a few scene props). With a toothy grin and a flair for the dramatic, this scaly superstar proves that being bad has never looked so good. Perfect for panto fans who like their villains larger-than-life and delightfully snappy! |
 | Maddy ‘Fairy Godmother’ | Introducing Maddy the Ragdoll: Writer Turned Star Maddy the Ragdoll may be new to the acting world, but she’s no stranger to creativity! Furthermore, the author of Fairy Tales Reimagined for The Toy Centre, Maddy’s love for storytelling has now transformed into a passion for performing. In addition, Maddy has also written this unique take on the well-loved Cinderella Fairy story too! Now, this tale may feel familiar, but it’s a fresh take on Cinderella—infused with extra giggles, an abundance of love, and heaps of heartwarming joy. It’s the kind of narrative that would surely be adored by the creative minds at The Story Museum in Oxford. This is her first major role, and she’s absolutely enchanted by it—especially her sparkling wand and fabulous costume! Maddy’s magic on stage is undeniable, and she’s already dreaming of her next role. Who knew that a little ragdoll with a big imagination could steal the spotlight so effortlessly? Perfect for fans of fairy tale twists and a dash of ragdoll charm! |
 | Robin Boy Ragdoll ‘Prince Robin’ | Robin the Boy Ragdoll: From Raglet to Prince Charming Robin the boy ragdoll has been acting since he was a raglet, and now he’s stepping into the royal shoes of Prince Charming! Still a little ragged around the edges, but full of charm and heart, Robin brings his youthful energy and stage experience to the role. Whether he’s rescuing the day or winning hearts, this young ragdoll is ready to prove that even the smallest of toys can play the grandest of princes! |
 | And a host of other Toy Centre heroes | All The Toy Centre toys adore panto and fairy tales, and they’re especially thrilled to appear at Christmas—spreading joy, magic, and a little festive mischief! |