Cinderella

No sooner has one pantomime come along then another arrives in its wake. And what a pleasure at this time of the year that is.!!

It was good to be back in Bacup at the newly decorated (very smart) Royal Court Theatre for a  rendition of that perennial favourite “Cinderella”.

I was delighted that every seat was taken on the night I saw the show. This is so positive for the welfare and annual upkeep of theatres such as this. As was made abundantly clear the Royal Court operates through the good offices of volunteers who are dedicated to making this unique venue a continuing success. As mentioned in a previous review, I was impressed by the rosta of tasty upcoming shows. I wish you full houses for these as well.

 And so to the pantomime.  Magic was alive in the air from the start. Director Jim Rowe, stepping into the role of panto director for the first time for 13 years, ensured that we were witnessing a heartwarming tale designed to keep children of all ages from 5 to 95 blissfully happy.

In the title role Fayhe-Lousie Mitchell was every bit a fairy tale princess. She looked the part, she acted the part and by golly she became Cinderella. She captured all our hearts by her un-complaining responses to the injustices heaped on her by her naughty step sisters. Elegant and sophisticated Fayhe was immaculately cast. Her fairy  godmother in the hands of Amy Singleton was again everything she should have been. A welcome dose of unremitting goodness. Amy’s singing was outstanding. 

I enjoyed the strong character Dawn-Marie Woodcock showed us in her interpretation of Prince Charming. She moved with authority and was on top of her role. Dandini, her erstwhile best pal, was played with equal assurance by Lori-Mae Hooley. The role is arguably one of the most difficult to carry off in pantomime. He/she is presented at first as a loyal companion to the Prince only to be beguiled into treachery. Lori-Mae accomplished this change of personality admirably. I loved Baron Hardup.  Colin Cropper showed us a decent man,under the thumb of his wife but able at times to show real concern for Cinderella.

Buttons is the comic good guy. His task is to get the audience on his side from the moment he appears. Josiah Thorn thrilled everyone. He showed himself capable of moving about the stage with complete ease thereby creating someone you would be happy to have as a friend….. armpits notwithstanding!

The sisterly duo of Maxie and MInnie were in the accomplished hands of Dawn Rowe and Harry Stag. I greatly enjoyed this partnership. They had a swagger about them not often seen in similar roles. It made a refreshing change. Their costumes created by Regina Arkwright and Janice Purslow were witty. Their ballroom outfits at the end were remarkable. As Jim Rowe said in his introduction pantomimes offer the chance for a large casts to share and contribute to the “big show” experience”. They are where most performers begin to learn their craft.  The opportunity to share the discipline essential to being part of a large cast is fundamental to the development of young people to the challenges offered by live theatre. The  responsibility that this places on all the adults is a heavy one. It is my belief that the ethos engendered by everyone , and I do mean everyone foh staff included, at the Royal Court is taken very seriously. The younger members of the cast, be they actors or dancers, will gain immensely in their lives by their experiences in such well managed shows and venues as this. 

Rachel O’Hara’s choreography was engaging  and appropriate and thoroughly enjoyable.  All the stage crew were on top form. The capability to employ stage effects was put to good use. The lighting, streamers, whizz bangs and lighting tricks all complemented the action to great effect. Adam Greenwood worked his crew with professionalism.

This was a deeply satisfying production. The Abba medley at the end brought the specatcle to a tuneful end. The full house shouted, clapped and whistled showing their appreciation for the gift of enjoying this "Charming" slice of three hours away from the cares of the unmagical world outside. Oh, if only the world were as pantomine!!!

Thank you for welcoming us so engagingly, Elaine. I look forward to returning to this remarkable theatre soon.

P.R.M.

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.