Cinderella

Written and directed by Maris McCann and definitely a different and cleverly diverting version of the story (but with the happy ending)..Certainly an innovative slant to some of the characters and not necessarily traditional on all fronts but it worked brilliantly.

On stage in true traditional style, a strong and supportive Fairy Godmother from Liz Taylor, a vulnerable and sweet Cinderella from Beth Robertson, and a kind and supportive Buttons from Ian Taylor, and in love with Cinders but only hope is friendship.

To the Stepmother, Arabella Bell played by Joan Hocking at full strength and power both in acting and vocally (have not seen her for long time and forgotten her dominating stage presence). With her daughters completing the ‘bad’ side: Disalsa from Josh Francis in a fully powered horrible with Piccalillia from Isla Butcher as seemingly the less clever but showing some kindness and by the end totally changed to good (in fact finishing up with Buttons). This trio really did have dominant roles in this version plus most of the comedy too, and the makeup scene and costumes.

The two Princes in the drama, on the lookout for princesses: a traditional Charming from Becky Scott well matched for Cinderella, and the outgoing male heart-throb style full of confidence in his ‘pulling power’ Prince Thrall from Tom Key, these comrades worked well together in this plot.

Add in Lord Howell from Malcolm Robertshaw, the King from Chris Morter, and the Vizier of Fred Nash to the male support line-up. And the stage filled with villagers, butterflies, princesses, all in the nicely painted scenery.

A totally different character in the caterpillar befriended by Cinderella, played by Jennie Reavey and built up to being important to the tale as transformed into a beautiful butterfly by godmother, and she supervised the fairy coach pulled by butterflies to the ball.

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