Cinderella

I was delighted to be invited to review Wellingborough Pantomime Society's production in this, their Golden Jubilee Year. And I was so pleased that the Society were able to put the show on at the recently re-opened Castle Theatre.

Written and directed by Barry McIlroy, this version of Cinderella really included all the traditional and magical elements of pantomime.

The show was introduced by the rather forgetful Fairy Godmother, nicely portrayed by Clare Patrick. The role of Cindrella was shared by Hannah Patrick and Annemarie MacDonald - I saw Annemarie, who successfully maintained a gentle sweetness throughout. Her Prince Charming was played by Georgia Westley confidently and she was well supported, in turn, by Elizabeth Landon as Dandini. But a pantomime is nothing without at least one villain and this one rejoices in two in the forms of the two ugly sisters admirably played by Steve Patrick (Prunella) and Spencer Hawkes (Lucretia) who were wildly over-promoted by their harriden of a mother, Baroness Hardup, another strong performance by Johanna Beech, with Martin Peck as her henpecked husband (Baron Hardup). All the above performances had much merit but, for me, the star of the show was Jon Baish as Buttons. He created an immediate rapport with the audience and fairly oozed stage presence throughout.

The chorus and dancers had been well rehearsed and performed enthusiastically. The whole show was supported by a talented musical trio and the songs had been really well chosen for a pantomime. Lighting, sets and costumes, along with the sound quality enhanced this production perfectly and the stage crew worked very professionally to keep the show moving at agood pace.

I thought the transformation scene was beautifully thought out and enacted, with the piece de resistance being the magical flying coach pulled by a unicorn, I think this must have filled the younger members of the audience with wonder. I also enjoyed the UV scene depicting Cincerella's nightmare. Some of these presentations can come across as rather bland but not so this one - the best I've seen in a long time.

A most enjoyable show - just a little long in places - but nevertheless there was enough content and sparkle to keep the audience very entertained. Congratulations on your 50 years - what a great achievement!! Thank you for inviting me.

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