Cinderella

Kidz R Us gave their audience a traditional pantomime in their Cinderella.  All the elements were there – goodies and baddies, cross-dressing, slapstick and slosh, dancing animals, fantasy and colour, running gags and audience participation, and boundless, enthusiastic energy from start to finish from every cast member.

The simplicity of the sets used the theatre’s split-level stage to advantage with added fold-out screens for quick and easy changes of scene, which were effected by the cast members so no time was lost.  The lighting added to the atmosphere of each scene and always ensured we could see all the faces clearly.  The sound balance between the recorded music and the voices was always good with the vocals audible and tuneful.  I did feel that occasionally the singers were waiting through a long introduction of music and would have liked the recording to come in earlier under the preceding dialogue to maintain a flow.

The costumes throughout were quite breathtaking. The ballroom scene with everyone in shades of blue, and wearing white powdered Pompadours was most spectacular, as was the Finale change to purples and gold.  Make up was excellent, from the Baron’s ridiculous painted on twirl of a moustache to the simply ghastly faces and Amy Winehouse wigs of the Ugly Sisters, which, together with lots of glitter around the temples of the Immortals and comic freckles for the Comedy Duo, provided a contrast to the fresh-faces of the majority of the cast. 

A good script is essential and this Cinderella‘s was fantastic with gags every line, all picked up and delivered so that we didn’t miss one.  It was crammed with the traditional set pieces and the pace seldom flagged.  It was hard to believe that the principals in this cast were 14/15/16. With Cinderella we’re all waiting for the Transformation and this was neatly directed with pretty visuals for us to watch as she made her quick change backstage.  Dancing and choreography in this production were evident in every scene and even the littlies knew their steps and words enough not to be looking at their neighbours for what comes.  It is remarkable that 7-year olds can learn so many complex routines and move around the stage so confidently beside their older colleagues as they all deliver fully choreographed chorus numbers.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I’m sure their run was highly successful.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.