Natasha Barnes to star as title role in Cinderella at the London Palladium

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that Natasha Barnes will play the title role in Cinderella at the London Palladium this Christmas.

Earlier this week, Barnes finished second place in West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award for alternating the role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre. Also joining the cast are Wendy Somerville and Suzie Chard as the Ugly Stepsisters. 

Natasha Barnes temporarily takes over as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl

Natasha Barnes is temporarily taking over as Fanny Brice in the West End production of Funny Girl. 

Barnes currently understudies the role and has received tremendous acclaim for her performance.

Producers have announced that Sheridan Smith is taking 2 - 4 weeks leave of absence from the show due to stress and exhaustion.