Cinderella

Upstagers Theatre are entering their 36th year with a glittering production of everyone’s favourite fairystory – Cinderella.  I don’t think there is anyone in the Kingdom of Wharfedale who doesn’t know the story – and with this cleverly written version (by John Clark & Andrew Hewitt) you know you’re in safe hands for a “happy ever after”!

Traditional panto humour was introduced right from the start of the panto.  On opening night the audience quickly got involved with the “boo’s and hisses”, the “oh yes he/she is, oh no he/she isn’t” retorts, and we loved saying “hiya Buttons” whenever Buttons called upon his “gang” to do so!

Combined with some new (very cleverly thought out and fast paced, tongue twisting) material – this was all hilarious and kept the audience entertained right from the word go.

A superb cast of goodies, baddies, “ugly” and brilliant dancers filled the stage.

In the title role of Cinderella, Emily Brook was perfectly “at home” in this part.  Cinderella has got to be every little girls “dream” character, and Emily certainly did this part justice.

Joey Wilby excelled as the loveable Buttons - his mannerisms and cheeky smile are so infectious, his comedy timing as perfect as ever!  Both Emily & Joey have superb singing voices – professional performances from both of them – both in dialogue and song.

Ruby Hendry was excellent as Prince Charming, and with Olivia Leather as the Prince’s valet Dandini they made a formidable duo – both have brilliant stage presence and superb singing voices.

Cinderella’s wicked stepmother Baroness Vermillion Hardup , played superbly by Katherine Griffiths, was the true villain of the piece.  She had the audience eating out of her hand with “boo-ing and hissing” – and she delivered her lines with such clarity of diction.  Another stunning voice, and I particularly loved the number "If I were a rich girl” with the dancers.

Her beautiful “ugly sister” daughters were played by George Scaife (Stella Artois Hardup) and George Mitchell (Bella Hardup) – hilarious costumes, wigs and accessories throughout (particularly loved the “ball” outfits!).  They were certainly a dynamic duo that the audience warmed to very quickly (albeit the men in the audience being reluctant at the beginning, which was also hilarious!).  Special mention must go to the scene with Buttons relaying the “tongue twister” message – this was timed to perfection and delivered brilliantly!

Grace Waterhouse was the beautiful Fairy Godmother” …the “goody” of the piece who kept everyone on track and under control with her wand.  Excellent diction and stunning vocals too!

Gemma Smith as the very cute Muffin the cat has some clever, witty lines which were delivered with great timing – and yet another great singing voice to compliment the principle line-up.

With a total cast of over 80 people (including the support actors, Juniors, Inters and Tinies in Team A & B) the stage was constantly filled with happy smiling faces, superb dancing and outstanding singing.  Energy, enthusiasm and pure joy flowed from the stage, right into the audience…panto entertainment at its very best.

Costumes, make up, wigs and hair were outstanding – Molly Limpets Theatrical Costume Hire, Bingley Amateurs, Maureen Williams School of Dance and Scala School of Performing Arts all had their part to play in the “wardrobery” – everyone looked absolutely stunning in every single scene.

Brilliant glitzy set, props, lighting, sound and special effects all added to this totally professional production.  Cinderella’s coach (complete with horses!) was a sight to behold.

MD Phil Walsh and his house band (The Phobias) made a superb sound, which didn’t drown out the action on stage.  A fabulous choice of musical numbers – every one a winner!

The choreography by Lily Normington (assistant choreographer Bea Whiteley) was excellent – everyone was well drilled, no one put a foot (or arm) wrong!  There were seamless transitions from team to team as they exited/entered the stage.  Eye catching and fast paced dances, all performed with style.

John, Andrew, Phil & Lily – you have once again brought an amazing production to life.  None of this could happen without the enormous team of people who contribute to Upstagers Theatre productions, and each and every single one of you should be congratulated on the continued work that you do – thank you all for keeping (amateur) theatre alive.

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