Cinderella

 

It certainly warmed the cockles of my heart to be back in Pantoland!  Especially as presented by LIDOS at the Carriageworks for the past week or so - what a treat!

After two years in the doldrums, once again audiences were able to have fun, boo, hiss and applaud this talented group and they in turn were able to have fun on-stage, in this classic re-telling of 'Cinderella', her ups, her downs and all ending happily ever after!

I must first congratulate the Director, Shirley Hoyland and Musical Director, Robert Sanders for a fast-moving and very musical production - scenes were short and concise, distinct dialogue and an excellent choice of musical numbers. Alan P. Frayn's excellent witty script and dialogue was bound to make this pantomime a sure-fire winner!

We had top-flight performances from the principals - Sophie Massa, (Cinderella) and Claire Hoyand (Prince Charming) - their acting and musical talent used to the full. Steven Vaughan played Buttons superbly - I understand this was his first Pantomime, but his rapport with the audience was spot-on - some lovely asides with a really strong voice and enthusiasm which knocked the audience for six!!  Kayleigh Newsome played Dandini with lots of charm and energy.

By way of a traditional change, the two 'Ugly Sisters' were played by women (Claire Devine as Gertrude and Rachel Winfield as Grizelda) - I was sceptical at first, but the sheer force of their characters convinced me that this change was for the better, their comic timing was really good and their dialogue was clear - If I had any criticism, I would have liked to see more outrageous costumes changes for them - their make-up however, was suitably over the top!  Naomi Mothersille made a delightful Fairy Godmother, known as 'Fairy G'.  Emma Thomson was maybe too lovely to be the wicked stepmother, Baroness Hardup, but she has a great stage presence and superb singing voice. The inimitable Graham Siddle played the hard-done-by Baron Hardup with suitable sad expression and a wonderful clutch of asides to the audience, most amusing. The traditional Brokers men were re-invented as Bodget and Leggett (Emma Cole and Amy Lodge) - dressed as builders, they attempted to get money from the bankrupt Baron, but had no idea how to do it - this led to some funny scenes which they both relished and had the audience in stitches!  Emily Herbert was the Chamberlain (Chambers) trying to keep the Ugly Sisters in check but failing - Hagan the Horse was given a very mobile life by Ross Tonkin and Kyle Walker.

Aiding and abetting the principals were a well-rehearsed Adult, Junior and Children's Chorus, acting and dancing their hearts out - so good to see! 

As I have said earlier, Shirley and Robert gave their audiences a very top-notch production - but the choreography by Emma Tempest and Donna Wells really gave it a first-class edge - the numbers were so well thought out and well within the company's capabilities. Robert also played keyboards with Oliver Watson on drums. The night I attended was a signed performance by Richard Jackson, who really entered into the spirit of the production with aplomb!

The Creative Team, under the professional hand of Paul Harding, absolutely nailed the show for me - brilliant lighting and sound, pretty sets, costumes, props - in fact, a remarkable team effort and a wonderful evening's entertainment - LIDOS has convinced us that Pantomime had returned to cheer up a long, cold, winter - very well done! 

 

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