Cinderella

This show is based on the fairy tale of Cinderella and was written by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Having never seen this show before, I was really looking forward to seeing this version of the story. This was not a pantomime, it’s a lovely musical. The music is very good and Nigel Finch has a superb orchestra to play it. The chorus and principal singing has some nice harmonies. Director Victoria Luke has an excellent cast for this production. Gill Parry is in charge of the choreography, assisted by Susie Maycock, everyone is used in all the numbers which is nice to see. The set is excellent and very effective, being a story book that the cast open to different pages depending on where we are in the story, other props and scenery get put into place quickly. The costumes are also good and set in more modern times rather than the traditional style.

Kate Robbins is great as Cinderella, she sings nicely and works very well with the other characters. I really liked the transformation scene. Susie Maycock plays the Godmother with warmth and style - I really want that magic umbrella, very clever idea, Susie is perfect for the role.  

Ann-Marie Sait plays the stepmother - I loved her costumes and again just right for the part. Amanda Peaty as Portia and Katie Mathieson as Joy play the ‘ugly’ sisters just like Essex girls. They all have some nice lines and some great songs I liked the ’Stepsister Lament’ and also when they all came back from the ball with Cinderella asking them how the ball was, ‘Lovely Night’. They're not as nasty as they are portrayed in other stories but do give Cinderella a hard time.

Jonathan Fulcher plays the King with Tina Adams as his wife the Queen, they both work well together and host the ball to find their son a wife. James Gould plays the Prince - he sings and dances and captures Cinderella’s heart. They are great together. The slipper and cushion scene was very good with the stepmother and sisters, and the nice touch of the godmother leaving the slipper for the prince and Cinders to find was just right.

Well done everyone.

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