Cinderella

Catching all those who had just not had enough of annual pantomimes, Dalgety Players brought smiles to the faces of a well-filled house, on a stormy January evening.

In true pantomime style introductions and scene setting courtesy of the Fairy Godmother (Anne Dolbear) were the order of the evening, brought up to date, however, by the use of an iPhone to keep in touch with “the Boss” at Head Office (presumably the Fairy Godfather??).  It was a pleasure to be in the safe hands of someone as experienced as Anne – not only in dialogue projection but in singing also – her duet with Buttons (Reece Ellard) being a case in point.   The title role was played by Sinead Williams on the night I visited, but the part was shared on other evenings with Eve Donaldson. Sinead brought over a very confident Cinderella (very necessary when performing with two such Ugly Sisters as she had).  Again, as was shown to great effect in her duet with Prince Charming (Meaghan Allbury), Sinead’s lovely singing voice made the character all the more believable.  The trio of Buttons, Prince Charming and Dandini (Natasha O’Brian) worked well, and, together with Gorgan (Mike Tilling) and Zola (Derek Bowman) added in no small way to the success of the show.  The Uglies were, in true pantomime fashion, over the top, and drew well deserved laughter from the audience (who were most definitely up for it!).  Comedy was further enhanced by Snatchit (Irene Burt) and Grabit (Alicia Robson), both of whom competed well with Gorgan & Zola for the most outrageous costumes and wigs.  No Cinderella pantomime would be complete without a loud, brash, unsympathetic Baron Hardup (Jo McBrearty).

Last, but not least, the small chorus together with the Major Dome (Sarah Cook) and dancers (Emily Power & Gaby Lonie) all added to a fun-filled evening.

Special mention must be made of belly-dancing trio, Kasara, whose speciality act gave an interesting, but brief, interlude during the second act.

Congratulations to Director and co-music arranger Kathryn Bowman who did well keeping her wide-aged cast in order and also for including slapstick, a UV scene and a chase sequence in a well-performed family show.

Well done Dalgety Players!  

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