Cinderella

This was my first visit to Pantomime at Walkerville Community Centre, and also my first Panto visit in 2020.

Walkerville Musical Society is a thriving, talented and enthusiastic group, with both adult and junior members – some of which we had seen in their KIDS ON STAGE production last year, and at one point, my companion and I counted over 40 actors on stage.

The story of Cinderella needs no explanation and this traditional production was brought up to date with some very funny one-liners and modern music and singing.

In this show, we were treated to an opening in both Acts by a troupe of beautiful ballerinas who danced in the Act 1 opening en pionte extremely well. Congratulations to Helen Wilson for her excellent choreography.

We were introduced to the story by a very pretty Fairy Godmother – ably played by Sharon Gauld. Rachel English as Cinderella was excellent in her naïve and sincere characterisation, and her singing was equally so. John Ord was a fantastic Buttons. He was very assured in his comedic delivery and confidence, and his handling of the audience was extremely professional. Baron and Baroness Hardup (David Parrack and Bev Brennan) were very well played and complemented one another in their parts; he, the down-trodden father of Cinders, and she, the wicked stepmother from Hell!. It wasn’t long before we met the fab comedy duo of Mark Taylor and Alan Tomkins as ugly sisters Mona and Grizelda; loud and funny, with the costumes and makeup to match. Dandini (Katy McMillan) and Prince Charming (Diane Girdlestone) provided the love interest with Cinders and were very convincing in their portrayal. We had to wait until Act 2 for Ken Richardson’s entrance as the Chamberlain, but it was well worth the wait.

Ann Ranson has to be congratulated on her production and direction of movement on such a small stage, as does Peter Forster for the music and his small, but assured ensemble.

Alan Ranson and his backstage team and technical crew were excellent at, not only the continuity between scenes, but also the actual set and cloths design and build, confidently lit highlighting Alan Graham’s beautiful costumes.

As with all good pantomimes when they reach their climax, everyone lived happily ever after…Cinderella did go to the ball, and her prince finally found her.

Thanks and congratulations to the whole Team – far too many to mention, for a wonderful night’s entertainment, and for the hospitality. I look forward to returning here in June for 42nd Street.

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