Cinderella

In a recent poll, it was decided that Dick Whittington is the most popular pantomime for audiences, with Cinderella a close second. I beg to differ, as I think Morley did the right thing to choose 'Cinderella' for their 2020 production. With a full house of excited Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, they were on to a sure winner as I saw in the programme notes that this was the seventh time they had presented 'Cinderella', so they knew exactly what their patrons wanted to see!

This was a bright, carefree show, with plenty of business for the cast to get their teeth into.

Their Cindrella (Charlotte Wilson) had a pleasing approach to the role, showing pathos in her lowly life. She was helped in her troubles by a lively Buttons (Jeff Holt) who engaged perfectly with the audience, lots of laughter for the youngsters! The two Ugly Sisters, Grizelda (Steven Holt) and Gertrude (Jason Reynolds) worked very well together and provided some really funny comic scenes, especially in the 'Kitchen' and 'Bedroom' scenes - these always get a good audience reaction! Charlotte Noon (Prince Charming) had a  pleasant voice and easy manner, aided and abetted by a dashing Dandini (Jeni Riordan), both girls worked very well together. The comedy duo, Jane Ellaway (Bodget) and David Rogers (Leggett) were great fun, as their names imply, ruining Baron Hardup's renovations, played by Tom Daley. Louise Bullock played the wicked Baroness, Cinderella's stepmother, with suitable nastiness, (a personal note here, a heavier make-up would have been a good idea). The Fairy Godmother (Sadie Roberts) played her role with charm and grace.

The star attraction of the evening had to be Hagan the Horse - a really good animal costume, with such prettty big eyes, which rolled around sweetly. The lucky people underneath (the most difficult roles in theatre), Caroline Bulmer and Lauren Bullers, danced in complete unison, not at all easy!   The remaining company, Chorus and MAOS Youth Group Performers added to the overall enjoyment.

Michael Kirkby Directed and Choreographed the show with his usual experience, with David Hann as Musical Director.

As always with Morley, the backstage crew, with Stuart Wilson as Stage Manager, ably supported those on stage. Tina 'Tacker' Riordan and her Costume Team created some lovely costumes, as always.

Altogether, a fine evening's entertainment from this dedicated group, sending the audience out smiling happily!!

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