Cinderella

 

 

Show report – Cinderella (SKAMP)

SKAMP’s choice of script for this pantomime was by Alan P Frayn and what an excellent choice it proved to be. It included all the traditional characters and a few more besides.  Loaded with humour – much of it new, there is an abundance of one-liners and much corny content.  

It was great to see so many young people involved in the opening of this show, this is a good way to introduce beginners to performing on the stage and foster their interest, especially if they are dressed in a well-fitting colourful costumes, as in this case. The troupe of young dancers executed their choreographed routines with panache.

The principal players were well-cast. Amelia Worgan (as Cinderella) displayed very good stage presence. Stuart Giddings was brilliant (as Buttons), I admired his clear diction. Chris Walker (as Baron Hardup) was really tested by his new step-daughters, Andy Walpole (as Grizelda) and James Shawley (as Gertrude); their behaviour was appropriately outrageous at times and Alison Kirby (as their mother, theBaroness) was intent on bankrupting the Baron by her big spending. Sarah Owen (as Prince Charming) and Jess Forbes (as Dandini) worked very well together. Roseanna Clark (as Bodget) and Chloe Lorentzen (as Leggett) also developed an effective stage partnership as a comedic duo. Tracey Hulme was very much into character (as Fairy “G”). Lydia Henderson (as Chambers) maintained the upright bearing and manner appropriate to her official position.

This being the first performance of this production at the Bourne Corn Exchange it attracted a substantial audience that contained many young children. It was heartening to find that in the telling of this story the character of Cinderella, though made to feel miserable, was not physically punished or ill- treated.

Well done SKAMP for introducing so many young people to live theatre with this production and congratulations to all who were involved.

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