Cinderella

It was exactly two years to this very day when I saw Stourbridge Pantomime Company for the first time. It was Beauty and The Beast (22.1.20) and I will always remember the show being a true highlight for many reasons. This was the first ever company I reviewed for District 8 (West Midlands) and to be back again to review on this very date felt quite poignant. This was also the very first show of the run and a matinee.

I was also pleased to recognise some familiar names and faces in the show with some cast members showing their versatility.

The audience were an enthusiastic crowd and at times they brought the house down with their interaction of screams of delight and participation. It was a wonderful show full of nice surprises and I’m positive the start of a successful run.

It was the same creative team which helped bring Beauty and The Beast to life two years ago at Stourbridge Town Hall. Directed by Steve Humpherson who also had a cameo with the performance of the character Major Domo; The dance routines choreographed by Amy Roberts, who also performed on stage for this show; There were some absolutely brilliant and highly energetic moments and the very talented Musical Director, George Stuart, who played keyboards and led the live music through some memorable numbers. A special mention here to the very enjoyable bass guitar by Josh Hammond and drums by Harry Bent.

Following an announcement at the start of the show, the character Dandini was played by Hattie Rudge who took the role with short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. A confident performance was delivered by Hattie; (even though she needed to work on her thigh slaps!) she landed some great lines and delivered the performance with abundant personality.

Beryl, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters was played by Jonathon Hunt, it was certainly a far cry from playing “The Beast” in Beauty and The Beast in 2020, but Jonathon was a natural. He had plenty of moments to shine as this character and his performance did not falter of the high energy, passion and expression that it needed.

Cheryl, Cinderella’s other stepsister was played by David Shaw. The power struggle between Beryl and Cheryl whilst trying to outdo each other (which become more and more ridiculous at times) was very entertaining. I was also smiling to myself when I thought David would treat the audience to his trademark power ballad performance and I suspected that this might have been the case if the audience demanded it. I hope he managed to have more fun with this particular scene for the rest of the run?

Emily Jeavons played Lady Devilia Hardup who was quite a hit with her Husband Baron Hardup (Peter Goldsmith) who admittingly told the audience that he thought she was “a bit of a tiger when she got going”, but the audience were not convinced. She of course was awful to Cinderella as her Stepmother. Beryl and Cheryl would often compete for their mother’s attention and this would often result in Cinderella being bullied and hurt.

Cinderella was played by Hannah Shillingford and she was the perfect choice. Taking the lead character through levels of emotion with the right amount of instinct, especially through the anguish of holding a torn-up ball invitation and the look she gave her father when he sang to her. This moment for me was just so honest and beautiful. Peter Goldsmith, Cinderella’s Father (Baron Hardup) had such an amazing connection with Cinderella and without a doubt this performance of a father singing to his daughter was incredibly moving and my personal highlight of the whole show.

Prince Charming was played by Amelia Humphries who had nice presence and drove the show well with her performance. Buttons played by Ricky Hammond was very likable and he had his moments which he seemed to enjoy most when he was interacting with the audience.

Julia Tromans played The Fairy Godmother who stole the scene whenever she was on, the Pantomime horse, Stewponey (Vicki Simpson and Caz Brasenell) was also a brilliant and much needed part of the cast who really complimented the show.

Finally, the wonderful addition of Mr Get it (Adam Chester) and Mr Got it (Hatty Humpherson) who were both great actors and a great duo.

The style of the show was very much in its essence what I remembered two years ago. The costumes were amazing and light and sound impeccably designed with the feeling of a supportive and tight stage management and backstage crew. The show overall had plenty of quality moments. All of the chorus, dancers, cast and crew showed Stourbridge what it had been missing.

Thank you for the invitation. It was great to see you back.

Photograph by Paul Costello, Costumes Triple C Costume Hire and Makeup Paul Herrington

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