Cinderella

Littleport Players, like many societies, have waited two years to return to the stage and without doubt it was worth the wait.

Alan P Frayn’s Cinderella script was very funny and Director Karen Booth ensured not a joke was wasted.  The secret of a good panto over and above the script is attack and confidence.  There was plenty of both from this cast.  From the opening number Principals and Ensemble executed choreography and delivered musical numbers well.  

Compliments to Choreographers Becky Smith and Nikki Dyer Scott on choreography which suited the talents of the Ensemble. It was simple without being boring.   

The musicians Colin Braysher (Drums) and Peter Theobald (Bass) helped to showcase the skillful talents of MD Mark A. J. Checkley which were on show with some great arrangements particularly the Rock and Roll medley that was well dealt with by the Ensemble.  

As always the costumes were very good and safe in the hands of the exceptional Sheila Goodall who I am sure also made the Sisters’ fabulous cross-eyed horses for the hunting scene.  Props were on show under the control of Sean Cooper and Sue Caller and congratulations to Trish Morgan and her helpers from the cast on the Make-up which must have been a challenge at times.

The Littleport and East Cambs Academy performance area is just an open space with no wings to speak of but the raised area (constructed by JR Light & Sound) was well used and decorated attractively but the lighting in this type of venue has to play a big part in the overall ambiance and both sound and lighting were handled well by Chris Rose and Johnny Jarvis. 

Everyone loves Cinderella which has topped the favourite pantomime lists for years so audience expectation is high.  Of course I have seen many versions of Cinderella and the thing to watch out for is the “transformation scene”. So, what do you do about a large sparkling pumpkin coach when resources are limited?  You resort to a sparkly  shopping trolley of course which was just one of the amusing touches in the show.  

Fairy Godmother (Hannah Ridley) made a pretty Fairy G working her magic to keep things on course and Buttons (Megan Bidecant) was excellent.  Here is a performer who knows how to work an audience and they were eating out of her hand from the beginning.  

If you want to see a class double act you need go no further than Chelsea Booth and Becky Smith who were super as Gertrude and Grizelda the nasty step sisters.  As glamorous as she looked Chloe Phillip Bartlett as their mother the Baroness also did a good job on the nasty front, whilst Baron Hardup (Jack Barry) was suitably downtrodden.  

Another double act which had the audience on their side was the Broker’s Men, Bodget and Legett (Mandy Morrish and Claire Lees) who made the most of some of the good old panto routines such as the old hammer and nail “When I nod my head, you hit it” joke which had the kids in the audience shrieking with laughter.  Of course this panto wouldn’t be complete without the lovely Cinderella, Dandini and Prince Charming (Amy Moulder, Charlotte Dockerty and Jack Byng respectively).  All three produced great performances and Cinderella almost stopped the show when she refused to marry the Prince. Thankfully she was only joking!  

The Ensemble in any pantomime is very important.  They are the first performers an audience sees and if they don’t get things off to a good start then the audience feels let down.  There is no chance of that in a Littleport panto.  The members of the Cinderella Ensemble Jack Wright (who also played the Palace Footman Chambers), Jessica Gillett-Woodley, Jorja Double, Millie Evans, Lilly Ridley and Charlotte Robinson all worked hard and with enthusiasm, supporting the Principal players well. The singing and movement throughout was great.

One other indication of a good panto is the willingness of the audience to be involved.  The full first night audience were all up for it especially the Brownies, Cubs and Rainbows. My ears are still ringing.  Congratulations to Director Karen Booth, cast and production team.  I thoroughly enjoyed my first pantomime for two years. 

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