Cinderella Buttons Undone is bringing a very grown-up fairytale to Charing Cross Theatre this Christmas. We caught up with Matt Kennedy, who plays Buttons, to talk filthy songs, queer joy and the likelihood of seeing his arse on stage.
He’s Behind You! is back with another adult panto, this time whisking Cinderella away to the seaside resort of Lob-on-Sea. There, tennis champion Ivan Yassandvich is preparing to hold a ball, Cinderella is looking for love, and her best mate Buttons has plenty of romantic chaos to contend with.
Kennedy describes Buttons as “fun loving and single, and likes it that way”. Or at least, that’s what he tells himself. Before long, his adventures might even threaten to steal the spotlight from Cinders herself.
“It’s meant to be Cinders’ story but you could say he gets main character syndrome…!” he says.
Returning for more festive filth
Kennedy is back with He’s Behind You! after appearing in last year’s Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story, his first adult panto. The experience clearly left an impression.
“I jumped at the chance to come back again this year. It’s a great team and cast and honestly last year was the most fun I’ve ever had on stage.”
The audience was a big part of that. Kennedy loved the interaction, seeing people enjoy themselves and, of course, getting to sing “filthy, funny lyrics”.
This year’s script has also been making him laugh for a while. He was invited to join the show some time ago and has watched it develop through different stages. His verdict? “That it was hilarious as always, full of wit, filth, and camp.”
A queer Christmas in the West End
For Kennedy, there’s something special about putting an unapologetically queer Christmas show in the heart of the West End. Everyone’s welcome, he says, but it remains “our culture”.
So why do queer audiences and panto go together so well? “We know how to have a good time!” he says. “We can make fun of ourselves and others and know the jokes are never meant in offence, just joy!!”
Away from Lob-on-Sea, Kennedy’s career highlights include playing Ryan Evans on the UK tour of High School Musical 2, his first job after college. Meanwhile, still on his theatrical wish list is The Book of Mormon, another show he loves for its laughs and ability to shock.
As for how naughty Buttons Undone! gets, Kennedy has a warning: “We will not be on Santa’s nice list. We are naughty in all the best ways!”
Finally, he has a message for anyone hoping for a repeat of last year’s onstage reveal: “I got my arse out last year and will try my hardest to try and get it out again at every opportunity this year.”
Cinderella: Buttons Undone! runs 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027 at Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street, London (nearest station: Charing Cross). Strictly 18+. Find tickets and further information at He’s Behind You!.
Fancy filling the rest of your festive calendar? Have a browse through the GLL Events Diary.
