Cinderella

Cinderella is well known as the Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes, the one with all the sparkle and glitz , the ultimate fairytale. I attended the 10:15 performance which was filled with children in the audience creating a strong feeling of eager expectation as we waited for the show to start. To say it was such an early show the cast burst onto the stage with heaps of energy and enthusiasm.

The set was very minimal and simple, a door and frame were constantly in place on one side and a few free standing flat fronted bushes were used throughout. Lighting was used minimally too to allow the actors to draw the eye instead of relying on a full lighting plot. I did like the full green wash to show that we were deep in the forest, it created great atmosphere. Costumes were bright and very traditional to the story with a modern twist thrown in in places - the Prince wore black skinny jeans with his flouncy shirt for his travelling through the forest scene, it worked for me. The Fairy Godmother’s dress is always a Wow! moment and we weren’t disappointed, it sparkled beautifully under the lights. The Ugly Sisters costumes too were a visual delight in lovely bright colours clashing beautifully with their very carefully applied make up. Cinderella looked every inch the part and her “glass slippers” definitely dazzled. The ensemble worked hard and with enthusiasm but I have to say a lot of the time the noise from the stage flooring was quite loud and very distracting.

Cinderella (Katie Perkins) delivered a lovely performance and gave us a very sweet and believable Cinders. The Ugly Sisters (Gary Jones and Christian King) were a joy to watch - their comedic timing was spot on and the audience loved them. I particularly enjoyed their song and was left wanting more. Buttons (Andrew Jordan) gave us a strong characterisation and dealt beautifully with the children in the audience going and talking to him during performance with gentleness and charm without once breaking character or losing the pace of the show. Both myself and my guest particularly enjoyed his “telephone” scene , especially when it rang in the wrong place - very quick reacting there . Baron and Baroness Hardup (Michael McCaw and Tracy Harper) worked well as a team and showed some nice chemistry, personally I would have liked to see a stronger, meaner side to the Baroness but that is only my personal opinion. Prince Charming (Deni Griffiths) and Dandini (Liam Huddleston) bounced well off each other and had some good dialogue moments. Fairy Godmother (Alice Moran) delivered her dialogue well and crossed the fourth wall with ease to interact with the audience. Smash and Grab (Daniel Eccles and Jessica Haslam) brought some great energy and pace with their characterisations and also within some of the chorus numbers.

The sound for the whole show was disappointing. I was only sat four rows back and at times it was difficult for me and my guest to hear both dialogue and vocals. Principals vocals were pitchy - this could however be put down to the mic issues.

The children in the audience loved it and from start to finish we’re whisked off into Pantoland, they responded to each and every “ Oh no it isn’t” and clapped and cheered loudly at the end, that for me says job well done. 

Thank you for your hospitality, hope to see you all again very soon. 

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