Cinderella

Cinderella, a traditional pantomime by John Morley via NODA, with much localised additional material from Catherine Baigent. We were at the very back – a romantic circular table for two, with flickering candlelight, beautifully set with a couple of furry mice keeping us company.  Other tables had glass slippers. Again, a packed house that promised to be noisy!  Donations have reached an amazing £110,000.

The programme was attractive with a silver slipper on the front cover, showing SADS affiliation to NODA. Firm in feel, contained concise information and good, costumed, black and white photography.

The opening set showed an attractive view of Stonegate Village, with directions to neighbouring beauty spots and holiday lets, nicely designed and created by the team, with other scenes using simple pieces – red glowing fireplace of the kitchen, an upright bed for the Sisters ghost scene, with a sparkling conclusion.  A large pumpkin carriage was beautifully created led by fully liveried flunkies.

Robin Hare, double bass, Maggie Tapsfield, piano and David Driver, drums/percussion, accompanied the singers, with Kate Welch Vocal Director.  Interesting harmonies were arranged; singing well rehearsed, coming across, right to the back of the hall, loud and clear.

Val Dormady of Costume Store and Mad Hatters Fancy Dress were responsible for the resplendent costuming. Colours were strong, outfits well fitted with matching footwear/boots. Some superb platforms!

The silver Granny approach to Fairy Godmother gave her a cuddly appeal but my, she was spunky! Wigs were terrific and finishing touches with hand props first class. Words of praise to wardrobe - Barbara Brown and Nicola Dealtry and Alli Williams and Katey Fraser for hair/ make-up.

Maxie and Minnie Mum, what can I say ‘Ugly Sisters’ wonderful – costumes positively outrageous, especially the Carmen Miranda headgear and those fluorescent green bloomers. Matching riding habits plus bowlers with veils, superb.

The high formed black wig with ringlets gave The Baroness height over her poor henpecked, well turned out Baron. Arriving by scooter, Buttons appeared in purple livery, with brocade and finery. Finished with tricorns, high boots, thigh slapping Prince Charming and Dandini were most elegant. Cinder’s brown, patched drabness garb turning into the most beautiful ball dress - stunning. ‘Ah’ factor of the little ones as animals and moonbeams, so cute. Character village costumes and ball gowns - another splendid SADS spectacle. John Bush in charge of lighting and effects in his very small corner worked his magic, together with Garry Bodenham.

Audience interaction excellent – they did get a little over the top – actors dealing with this particularly well.  We kept stalwart Nick Jeal, a lovely Buttons, awake for most of the evening!  How lovely to see young Anna Millington playing Cinderella with such charm. Strong pairing from Melanie Todd as Prince Charming, and Anna Daniels, his sidekick, Dandini.  Humour galore, innuendo, plenty of ‘ahs’ and ‘boos’ a tale we all know, fine hearty singing and finally proving once again good overcomes evil. The ‘Mum’ Sisters Ralph Miller and Stephen Moir, had the audience eating out of their hands! Jo Walker, the Baroness, made life difficult for Baron Mum, played sympathetically by John Hastings whilst Kate Welch and her brilliant Northern accent – waved her magic wand with aplomb. Movement was slick. Major Domo, to be played by Simon Smith was poorly and at particularly short notice Carl Gamage (last seen in a frock in Wadhurst!) stepped into the breach reading superbly.

A much appreciated supper was prepared and served by the hardworking catering team.

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