Cinderella

I was really pleased to return to the Stage Door Theatre in Wem this month to see Stage Door Youth perform a seasonal favourite Cinderella.

The gobo preset left me in no doubt to what I had come to see and it wasn’t long before the show was in full flourish.  Cinderella played by the delightful Sophie Meredith was lovely to watch and sang ‘On My Own’ beautifully. Katie Jones as Prince Charming made the part her own and worked well with Georgia Beckett as Dandini.

Cinderella of course wouldn’t be as much fun with out the antics of the two ugly step sisters, played by George Cuss and Lewis Mottram, who kept me entertained through out the evening especially with their ad-libs, their multiple costume changes and their reactions when things didn’t always go to plan. Some great facial expressions and comedic timing all contributed in keeping the audience engaged and laughing.

The script for this particular pantomime allowed for a majority of the company to have smaller cameo roles bringing each of them into the spotlight and a moment to shine.

There were some lovely characterisations including Francesca Appleby as Demon Blackheart who worked with the audience to encourage ‘boos and hisses’ in the right places, Annabel Heath as the naughty nymph like Jack Frost, Grace Newcombe as the rock and roll air-guitar playing Cupid, Ella Davies as the Covid vaccination nurse, Robyn Howard as Poppet, Ben Sonders as the villager and Elliot Long as the long suffering Baron Stoneybroke.

The Fairy Godmother played by Annabell Rogerson ensured that there was enough winter wonderland magic to create a magical coach transformation scene and Hue & Cry played by Isla Coburn & Scarlet Bowen made sure that the invites were delivered for the ball on time.

If that wasn’t enough we also had Carillon the Pantomime Horse played by Ben Heath and a mystery ‘surprise’ performer, who at every opportunity danced along to Zorba the Greek!

James Francis as Buttons deserves much praise in his interaction with the audience and in giving us a mature performance especially in keeping the ‘bra wielding’ audience member under control during the sing along.

Special praise should be given to those involved in the making of the properties, creative scenery and those behind the scenes.

I am sure that co-directors Jon Edge and Sue Simcock are extremely proud in creating an evening of great fun, packed with a great variety of pantomime treats.

Thank you Stage Door Youth for a most enjoyable evening.

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