Cinderella

When pantomime is good it’s very good and the Original Pantomme Society have found the secret of creating excellent pantomime entertainment year after year. Judging by the aftershow awards ceremony there is strong local support and it’s great to feel the enthusiasm of the very many folks who gather after the show to acknowledge the work put in by performers and back stage personnel.

Cinderella  or The Little Glass Slipper, is a folk tale embodying a myth-element of unjust oppression and triumphant reward. It is thought to have made it’s first appearance by the Greek geographer Strabo around 7 BC, which is usually considered to be the earliest known variant of the Cinderella story. Gail Roberts, Director Sue Hickman-Germon and Carly Dallen demonstrated that even the oldest story can be brought to life. Didn’t they do well

Time has not lowered the appeal of this story especially when you have a fine cast to bring all the characters to life. Olivia Thorn carried off the role of Cinderella in good style and was well supported by Anna Hawley as the prince and Viv Henson as Dandini his sidekick. It was good to see how this script gave the latter two the opportunity to make the most of their roles. All too often I find that leading men are restricted in this.

Ian Devereux Roberts took on the role of Buttons and did splendidly. Their a great need to hold your audience and Ian worked hard to ensure he did this. Well done.

Liz Ledgerton and Joanna Richards played the ugly sisters as they should be played and made a welcome change from the more stereotyped male approach Their approach was simply excellent. Wendy Helsby played their nasty mother and Andy Nickson the kindly Baron Hardup.

No Pantomime would be complete without the comedy duo and Hayley Dale and Chris Pacitti showed all their experience to get the most of these roles. Carol Nickson did the role of fairy godmother proud ; this can often be a difficult role to play with its many brief appearances which are so important to the plot.

Backing came from both a Junior and Adult chorus who proved that their support is very important. Lighting and sound and stage setting were all fine, as was costuming. Congratulations must go all the backstage helpers without whom no show can be a success. Budge

 

 

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