Cinderella

SUBLIME !!

Yes, sublime is not a word I use much in my reviews, but the meaning is faultless and from the minute you walk into Ashford’s Community Hall you are in Panto Land. On Sunday the Hall was packed to the hilt with young and old patrons ready for Cinderella. We need not have worried we were in for a blast!! How Alan Stamp does it I do not know, he is Writer, Director and Producer. Along with his cast and crew, this Cinderella hit new heights for community theatre in my area.

We opened with Amy Louise Vass in a flash of pyrotechnics as the Fairy Godmother, Amy. What a talent this lady is, and what a voice. We then get more talent in a young Buttons (Adam Coleman) working us all up to a frenzy, this young man oozes energy and with his smile he got us on his side. This young man I feel sure will have a great future in the theatre.

Bobby-Marie Stamp as Cinderella gave us a solid performance both in singing and dancing, and her acting ability is perfect for this Cinderella. Of course, we then get the Dames: what a well teamed pair in Flora (Cassandra Spence) and Madge (Matt Wheeler) - this pair bounced off each other in their comedy delivery. The wicked Baroness Hardup (Rae Anderson) got the boo factor going and stood her ground. Prince Charming (George Wheeler) filled the hall with his wonderful voice and, teamed with Dandini (Molly Spence), gave us some of the best moments in this Cinderella with their singing, both having commanding presence on stage.

Ellie Shevlin and Sam Stevens' young Cinderella and her mother: two nice little cameo parts. This cast was backed up by a ensemble of young singers and dancers (Lily Dines, Jessica Linington, Finlay Page, Phoebe Page, Ellie Shevlin, Ezri Spring, Laura Stevens, Ellie Taylor, Kacey-Mai Young, and Mia Young) all adding to make this Cinderella a wow.

It was good to see the balloon dance done again: well done Dames. Special guests: yes, a real pony, Gary, behaved himself and John ‘Webbo‘ Webster as The Fairy Master added the surprise element. 

Alan Stamp, along with your cast and your backstage crew with stage Managers (Brian Stamp and Sam Stevens), costumes were awesome, sound was balanced and no feedbacks (I am presuming this was hired - keep them, perfect sound) your back projection made this panto move swiftly along and with so many special effects you have pulled off something incredible for Ashford Theatre's Panto. I have been a NODA representative for 12 years and I must say this is the best and most professional piece of community theatre I have encountered in that time.

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