Cinderella

Returning to their regular half-term slot having been steadfastly rehearsing through what were still challenging times, this production was cleverly written and directed by two long-standing members of the Society and was tailor made for the group.

The curtains opened to a typical crowded village scene with the girls in the Junior Chorus dressed in delightful skirts and co-ordinating waistcoats. Everyone was happily going about their business, but the skies soon darkened, the juniors crossed back and forth with notices of doom, and the villagers retreated inside leaving an empty stage, the skies then cleared, and everyone emerged happily singing Mr Blue Sky. Not immediately evident but on reflection a nod to the lockdowns and hopefully the way back to more “normality”

In this script the Baron was a “brainy” inventor, aided by the trusty Buttons, and ever hopeful that his inventions would bring a fruitful return as he was heavily in debt to Billy Big Bucks! Billy sent his half-baked Bailiffs, Bish and Bash, to collect the money, but things soon began to go off beam!

The young lady playing Buttons was brilliant and had the audience on her side from the start. Cinderella looked lovely and was sweetly played, and the transformation scene was smoothly executed. Two more youngsters were suitably contrasting as the Prince and Dandini, his Highness laid back and seemingly disinterested while his valet was poised with a zest for adventure. This production saw the ladies of the group playing the major roles. The Ugly Sisters, Scarletina and Rubella, were as different as chalk and cheese continuingly squabbling and out for the main chance, they were terrific. The dysfunctional Bailiffs were both were excellent and their lengthy exchange of banter lines between Buttons and the two Bosses was amazing. Cinderella’s Stepmother was elegant but unlikable, the Fairy Godmother graceful and kind, and an attractive Alice was extricated from the Chorus as Buttons’ love interest and skilfully engineered into his arms at the end! Two distinguished gentlemen competently took the parts of the Baron and Billy, and a suitably regal pair completed the cast nicely as the King and Queen.

The Chorus gave strong support, aided occasionally by both Directors and the MD, who was ably accompanied in the “pit” by The Nightjars - it was good to have a live band, and you could see that they were clearly enjoying themselves. The Junior Chorus were delightful, and the twin girl robots did well as part of one of the Baron’s “inventions”.

The opening to Act II in the Palace Ballroom was particularly stunning! Everything with a black and white theme - Scarletina with her one black and one white stiletto boot was perfect!

The production team had obviously worked their socks off to pull the show together! Scene changes were smoothly performed, lighting and sound was well designed, there was a myriad of excellent props, and a multitude of absolutely fabulous costumes! The green, red, and gold finale was particularly stunning.

This was interesting “take” on the traditional tale, but still with all the expected elements of panto. The songs were well chosen for the story, the choreography excellent, and the unexpected “extras” thrown in made for some great fun!

 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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