Cinderella

A packed hall with many families and young children for “Cinderella” which was written especially for the group by Richard Kemp-Luck and a newer version of a traditional family pantomime. The opening number was a chorus version of “I Don’t feel like Dancing” and with a small chorus with backing tracks gave a good opening to the show. Going into Hardup Hall kitchen we had a rather sparse set that served well for a good deal of the action involving Cinderella and Buttons played by Lewis Rodger, who quickly got the audience and especially the children involved, and was a genial character with a pleasant manner and also a good singing voice. Cinderella played by Laura Wheeler had a great singing voice and did very well in the character. I was not sure about her costume that was not as tattered as we usually see and looked rather too modern, but the transition into her ball gown was just right. Alexa Tyrrell as the Prince was excellent, right style confident and totally entered into the spirit of pantomime as did Laura and they made a good duo. Greg Potter as Dandini had a good singing voice and gave a confident performance, and Darrell Scott as Baron Hardup got the most out of his character in an understated manner and a good feel for the henpecked baron. Simon Todd as Dyspepsia Grizzle and Terry White as Hernia Grizzle were amusing but I would have liked more interaction with the audience from both of them. As tradition has it we also expect rather more outlandish costumes and hats for these two characters which would have added to the fun. Always with Panto which is difficult to get just right OTT is needed to get a winning formula so silly costumes etc are a sure winner. Linda Potter as Fairy Celestina was rather serious and her lovely sparkly magic wand was missing. A stick just did not have the same effect. The set and lighting were good and the strobe lighting added great effect. I do applaud all your efforts in attempting a new script and keeping Panto alive in Dovercourt. I am sure that you will continue to entertain with your future shows and very best wishes for 2013.

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