Cinderella

Cinderella by Ben Crocker stuck closely to the traditional fairy tale: Cinderella is treated shabbily by her step-mother and sisters, is initially denied the chance to attend the ball but her Fairy Godmother intervenes and all ends well.  Along the way, Prince Charming enters the scene, there some magic, mayhem, slapstick, songs, dances as good overcomes evil and the couple find true love and live happily ever after.

The sets (designed by Kevin Belcher – who also appeared as Baron Hardup) were excellent and very realistically created with beautifully painted flats: the Royal Palace,  the Village, the Forest and so on.  The set dressings were all appropriate and well chosen and the props were well used by the cast.  There was a real “Wow” moment when the coach (to take Cinderella to the ball) was revealed in the transformation scene.   It was fantastically constructed and well lit.  

The make-up was good.  Lady Davilla Hardup’s hair and make-up emphasised her wickedness and contrasted well with Cinderella’s simple style.  The Ugly Sisters make up added to my enjoyment of their performances, exaggerating their facial expressions with great flourish. 

The costumes were fantastic and of high quality.  There was great attention to detail.  The Ugly Sisters had suitably outlandish outfits and wore them with a flourish. Overall the costumes were bold but well balanced.

The lighting was effective throughout and well controlled.  The sound was good, the voices blending well with the music.   

Directed by Clive Solomons and produced by Keith Graham,  this  production was traditional panto at its happiest.  The comic banter between Cheryl (Roy Glancy) and Beryl (Stephen Bibby) was delightful and their appearance, initially, as St Trinians style schoolgirls was inspired.  Snitch (Sarah Oliver) and Snatch (Zoe Cole) bounced off each other  brilliantly. The dancers were all utterly delightful.   Joe Williams as Buttons (the audience’s friend) had a natural charm and cheekiness -  a winning combination.  Claire Humphreys was bursting with confidence as Dandini.  Dumpling (the horse) entertained the audience with his (her?) antics.     It takes a lot of hard work and effort on and off the stage to produce  a show with such sparkle.  Well done to all at Silchester for sending everyone home with smiles on their faces.

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