"Cinderella"

The ethos behind this company was perfectly described in the programme "to encourage all ages from our primary school, church and community to come together and experience performing arts". The annual pantomime, enjoying its 21st year, is just one of the many diverse ways the society bring the local community together enriching their experience of life and preparing them to face the wider world with confidence and integrity. Before I go on I must congratulate the society on producing a wonderfully informative and entertaining programme. It is really a mini-magazine, well supported by local business and making a diverting read along the way. The basic script, I say basic since the show was peppered with ad-libs, was strong. Funny, topical, witty and totally devoid of that bugbear of pantomime in recent years, dodgy innuendo. 

"Cinderella" was heartwarming, performed with a massive sense of enjoyment by the large cast. If the actors can be seen to be enjoying themselves then the audience will too. The small group of children watching the show seated on the floor near to my chair were certainly gripped by their experience of observing live theatre in front of them. Their involvement in the action and their desire to influence the actions of the actors was inspiring to watch. I am sure they will grow up to appreciate the magic that only entertainment of this standard can instil. The gloriously awful doggerel employed to excellent effect by Linda Gregson as Fairy Nuff told us the history of Darwen illustrated by characters in silhouette centre stage.

Then on to the obligatory village green, populated by the merry townsfolk each and every one sporting a cheery smile and a hail-fellow-well-met attitude. This introduced us to the choreography of Adelle Walmsley and Charlotte Read. Their skill in producing eye-catching deceptively simple dance routines was a great asset to this show from start to finish. From then on we met to all the other characters, each one dressed in traditional style pantomime costumes. Well done to Janet Grime and her team for their success in this department.

Aimee Gallagher as Buttons, "Hello, Aimee", was brilliantly cast in this role. Aimee has the ability to bridge the gap between playing a character and being herself, a trait totally in tune with the strictures of pantomime. Such an approach breaks down any distance between the audience and the actors. I looked forward to all of Button's appearances. "Oh yes, I did!".  And don't you be saying otherwise. I confess I was at first bemused and then utterly drawn in by the portrayal of the baron by Cliff Barber. I have never seen such a performance. I absolutely loved it. Without Cliff, the show would not have been half as successful. There were so many fine performances and so many actors to commend. Jane Cordingley was a wonderful Maureen Ramsbottom ably introduced by the expert cornet playing of Matthew Thomas. I  probably should have said he played a g flat flugelhorn or a trumpet. I know Matthew will put me right. It is surprising how effective just a keyboard can be in providing an effective backdrop to a show of this nature. It worked perfectly. 

Molly and Dolly, the two sisters of dubious moral outlook, were in the safe hands of Nicholas Davis and Iain Mossley. Oh, what a merry time they gave us. Their almost uncanny rapport ensured we were hanging on every word they uttered. Never overplaying it, (what have I just said!!!). What I mean is that they did not ever seek to disrespect the other characters on stage. How many times have we seen actors in these type of parts who consider themselves to be the main attraction and behave as such? Not so in these two's hands. Hilarious performances, gentlemen. Replacing his leather trench coat for a fetching Italian courtier's bloomers Martyn Pugh continues to extend his range of international characters. Always a joy to watch his Dandini was spot on. By the way, did you grow the moustache especially for the part, Martyn? Cinderella was winsome and attractive, played with just the right amount of intensity by Tabitha Mossley. Both the senior and junior choruses deserve praise for their professionalism and sparkle. The backdrops by Karen Alvarez and Stephen Lawrence were pertinent and interesting adding essential character to the varied scenes.

I have not enough space here to mention everyone. Please be assured that I enjoyed all your performances and the work of each actor I was privileged to be entertained by. This was the community coming together to create a charming experience for all the audience who were watching intently, joining in as often as they could.

"St. Cuthbert's put on a play,

I'm glad I went I have to say.

The cast was fab, the sisters funny,

I hope you raised lots of money!"  (With sincere apologies to Fairy Nuff.)

Thank for your welcome and hospitality, SCADS. Your dedication to your community is infectious. 

PRM.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.