Cinderella

From my viewpoint as part of Stage Crew in the Whitehall wings, this year’s Pantomime offering from Downfield Musical Society, CINDERELLA, written and directed by Graeme Smith offered everything a great Pantomime should. Musically strong and the right amount of cheesy humour and highly amusing confrontations.

From the Opening Number The Story’s Starting Now, a catchy and excellent new piece of work by Richard Waghorn the audience were lured into the beautifully costumed, expertly lit scenes and simple effective sets for this spectacular journey, much needed after two years away.

Alongside Cinderella, skilfully played by a captivating and vocally strong Rebecca Waghorn, all the firm favourites were in attendance, bringing the magic to life was Marlowe Simpson in the role of Fairy Godmother Gertie; Lord Maximillian Maladorius played by a downtrodden Jacob Dudgeon, Lynn MacFarlane, reigning supreme as the wicked Lady Mildred Maladorius, was eloquently despiteful and mean. The two Dames in the form of the Ugly Sisters, Stuart Young (Dimestos) and Marcus Wylie (Harpic) were born to play this dreadful duo, looking wholly comfortable in ostentatious dresses and colourful wigs and jointly providing much amusement and energy to this much loved tale. The Mum and ‘Daughters’ musical number was certainly one of the many highlights of the nights.

A breath of fresh air was Ross Lesslie, full of enterprise and enthusiasm for the role of the audience's best friend Buttons. Sydney Mulligan, strong and capable as Prince Charming, ably supported by Karen Young as Dandini. Then there was the comedy duo, Witt and Halfwitt , hilariously characterized by Nathan Forsyth and Gavin White. These two made a great pairing.

King Harold (Jack Horne), Queen Henrietta (Shannon Middleton) and an enthusiastic Brandy (Sam Graham) accompanied by the lively ensemble playing assorted Friends, Footmen, Guards, Courtiers, Forest Animals, Father Time and the naughty ghost all provided just the right balance of experience and sparkle to the Whitehall Stage. Special mention must go to the youngest members of the DMS cast who I was fortunate enough to have witnessed all the split teams. You were all stars.

A thoroughly enjoyable week

Well done to all cast and crew!

Thank you for making me so welcome.

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