Cinderella

It was a pleasure to have attended the Beck Theatre and be able to represent NODA for this final performance of ‘Cinderella’. BACCES was founded in 1971 and is a society comprising of British Airways Cabin Crew members who simply love to entertain and perform onstage. The fact that ‘Cinderella’ was actually the society’s 50th Anniversary production made my visiting an even more special occasion. It was also lovely to hear that BACCES raises considerable sums of money for charity from these annual pantomimes - a wonderful example of community involvement and something to be applauded.      

Set in the village of Heath-on-the-Row, and playing to a variety of colourful and impressive tabs, the stage remained uncluttered permitting maximum space for those performing. ‘Cinderella’ was a fast-paced, colourful, hugely entertaining and top-quality production. With so many special moments, my overall impression was that this production would have been ‘at home’ in the West End. As the curtains closed on ‘Cinderella’, Buttons and Lord Chamberlain took to the stage once more and combined to entertain the audience with a terrific sing-along (The 12 Day of Christmas). During this time, the entire cast quickly changed and then returned for ‘The BACCES Fabulous 50th Finale’.

Fittingly, it was Founding Members Dee Bull and Richard Hickman, in their final BACCES production, who opened the Finale with ‘What Good is Sitting Alone in Your Room’ which had been rewritten as ‘Come to our Pantomime’. This was swiftly followed by the ‘Can-Can’ (a nod to the 1971 Cabin Crew Music Hall production) before the entire cast joined in for ‘There is Nothing Like a Dame’, ‘One Singular Sensation’ and ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’. Yet another layer of quality was added to an already spectacular event and one that will be fondly remembered.

Congratulations again to everyone involved with ‘Cinderella’, to BACCES on their 50th Anniversary and to all those who decided to ‘hang-up’ their performing shoes. I would be delighted to visit with BACCES again, if ever needed, and will gladly add my recommendation to any nomination made regarding this production.  

I don’t think I’ll ever look at British Airways Cabin Crew in the same way ever again!

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