Cinderella

This year’s offering, from Haslingfield Little Theatre was CINDERELLA, written by Ben Crocker and from the opening number we knew we were in for a very colourful version of this ever-popular pantomime, the story of which you will know well.

The chorus which included several HLT juniors was good.  Everyone, even the youngest members, knew what they were doing and all coped with the songs and chorus movement with assurance and obvious enjoyment. Ensemble singing throughout was first rate. The choreography (Jenny Gore, Judith Willows, Kate Beeby) was necessarily “basic” as the large cast filled the small stage almost to capacity.

In the titular role Katy Chapman gave a lovely performance. She possesses a very sweet voice as we heard in her duets with her Prince Charming. As well as Cinders herself all the firm favourites put in an appearance. Baron Hardupp (David Smithet looking quite posh even though he didn’t have two ha’pennies to rub together), his harridan of a wife Baroness Hardup (Fiona Haskell), the cheerful and love-struck Buttons (Philip Chapman, with energy worthy of two long life batteries and a great audience rapport) and of course the essential Ugly Sisters: Beryl and Cheryl (Andy Walker and John Beresford). They made an excellent duo flaunting their ‘beauty’ at every opportunity.  The make-over scene was highly amusing. 

Then, of course, we had the handsome Prince Charming (Poppy Shortmoor) whose nice voice did full justice to the songs and her valet Dandini (Maria Scrivener) also in fine voice, giving an excellent performance throughout.

There were nice performances too from Jacqui Gruby and Marion Campbell as Snitch and Snatch, Brokers to the Gentry. A couple of actors who worked well together, Jacqui particularly got the full humour from her role.  

Tricia Willett as Fairy Godmother kept a twinkle in her eye as well as her wand to provide some nice linking material, and well done to Sarah Harrold and Isabel Juckes who did a grand job in the skin of Newmarket Nobby. 

Elsewhere, the colourful costumes were a credit to Terry Baker and her team and Judith Willow’s animal masks were exceptional. All settings (Paul Brammar, Tom Clarke and team) were absolutely excellent and the quality sound effects (Charlie Smith) and lighting (Phil Dale)  ‘spot on’ every time. Musicians Tom Hatfield, John Holmes and James Thomas not only played their part to enhance the production but also entertained the audience as they entered the hall. 

In summary, everyone on stage did a job worthy of mention but a special mention for the dance routines involving the young dancers (Hannah Farrell, Molly Freemantle, Maggie Jefferson,  Phoebe Riordan, Sophie Smith and Darcy Stalham) dressed as creatures of the forest which were exceptionally good. Judging by the confidence emanating from these young people there is obviously a wealth of talent coming up through the ranks in this society.

An invitation to a Haslingfield Little Theatre panto means my annual NODA panto season has begun so from now until the end of February I will be joining in with panto sing-a-longs!  Director Judith Brammar and the HLT team have certainly got me off to a fine start.  Thank you to all involved with Cinderella, it was a fun evening.

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