Cinderella

Cinderella has got to be the most popular pantomime of choice – with the most well-known story.  Keighley MTC certainly entertained us with a beautiful traditional tale of Cinderella – complete with glass slipper, ball gown and carriage.  With colourful scenery, beautiful costumes and well-cast principals once again this company certainly brought out the best of the story line of Keith Marsden and Geoffrey Rundle’s script that the whole audience enjoyed the night I was there.

Leanne Watson was a delightful Cinderella.  She had a magical transformation into her ball gown – which certainly made the audience “gasp” in amazement and wonder.  It must be every little girls’ dream to be like Cinderella – and Leanne certainly lived up to all those dreams.  The little girls sat around me were completely mesmerized by her!  She acted and sang her way through the part with ease.

Her best friend Buttons was superbly played with great energy and brilliant comedy timing by James Windle.  He was made for this part and had the audience eating out of his hand.  The children couldn’t wait for him to come onto stage and shout “hello kids” – they were always one step ahead of him shouting “hello Buttons” before he’d even opened his mouth!  What a fabulous response he got from everyone! 

I loved the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” number by Cinderella and Buttons.  A very clever and ingenious way to do it.

The suitor Prince Charming, played by Sarah Chapman, created a lovely partnership with Cinderella.  A lovely dancer with a strong singing voice. 

The other half of the ‘boys’ in disguise was Alice Chapman as Dandini – reprising the character that she last played in 2015.  They worked really well together and added to the fun throughout.

The Fairy Godmother (Sarah Whistlecraft) weaved her magic throughout and kept the traditional story line going to the right conclusion.

Jonny Tate gave a great performance as Baron Hardup.  I loved his “stammer” (in the style of Arkwright from Open All Hours) and his brilliant comedy timing in the scene with Buttons where they were trying to sweep the chimney at Hardup Hall!  No matter how many times you see this scene, it still makes the audience roll around with laughter at the brush “with a mind of its own”!

What more can be said about Deirdre (a very ugly sister) and Josephine (an even uglier sister)?  With their amazing costumes, makeup and wigs Dean Harness & Lee Wallace worked well together in every scene when they appeared as the stepsisters that no-one should have to endure!  Weren’t they adorable? – no not really!

Tony Garbutt and Phoenix Bass worked well together as the two bumbling debt collectors Snatchem and Grabbem.  How sad was it that they were lumbered with Deidre and Josephine?!  Poor things!

There were great company numbers involving principals, ensemble, dancers and kiddies chorus - with slick choreography by Judith Chapman throughout the production.  This was certainly a lively rendition of this pantomime – in true traditional panto style.

Congratulations to Geoff Garrett (Musical Director) and his band.  Musical numbers were at a great pace, up tempo and “up to date” to keep the whole audience on their toes.

Great support from the tec team – brilliant sound (and effects) by Oli Trenouth , slick scene changes by the crew and great lighting effects to add to the story.

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