Cinderella

Always the final panto on my calendar, I look forward to Ovingham’s production each March. Despite snow outside, the Reading Room was packed, the audience all knew each other, small children (well, child) gallop up and down the aisle with gay abandon and all enjoy a couple of hours in the warm, cheerful company of friends. Familiar faces do grace the stage but there is also a smattering of new, younger ones this year, a good sign.

The title is obviously familiar but this is a new (possibly bespoke) version by Dan Hodgson. I did wonder, initially, when Cinderella would appear but we were mightily entertained by Widow Kurten (Peter Pescod) and son Benny (Richard Heslop) in the meantime. Peter is, as always, a hoot and I hope he eventually found and positioned his bosom correctly! Richard is also a regular although he had intended a year out until four hours before show time. He found himself deputising for a player unable to perform and must be congratulated for taking the part at such short notice. He only checked the book, quite briefly, in the second half! Lots of laughs, some in the script, some on the hoof, I suspect. Well done.

When Cinders does appear it's in the form of Lizzie Hodgson, beleaguered by a rather smart wicked stepmother, Ms Cacle (Sue Douglas) and two “not really” ugly sisters, Buttercup (Becca Irving) and Margarine (Bob Justham), one of whom actually suggested Cinderella might like to try on the glass slipper! By now, the narrative has fallen into a familiar groove. King Ludvig (Bill Clegg) couldn’t quite make up his mind who he wanted to be but eventually settled on Elvis. It’s a pity the musical choices didn't allow him to get stuck into All Shook Up!

The King is anxious to find his son, Prince Ferdinand (Dan Gowens) a bride by midday, a bit of a tall order. But this, being a fairy tale, there's a way and the paths of Cinders and the Prince cross at just the right time. In fact, rather a lot of romantic coupling is achieved by final curtain.  There is a joyous bit of business I must mention. Cinderella’s golden carriage shrinks to a sedan chair, which only has one side. So, when Ducky (Jim Wardle) and his mate carry her around in it, it is quite clear, through a gauze, that she is running along with them. Perhaps you had to be there!

Before closing, I must a mention Fairy Mary (Liz Lake) whose narrative holds the whole thing together with limericks and all kinds of other stuff.  A very friendly fairy indeed. The audience booed and hissed away as required and tried to warn their favourites of nefarious fates best avoided. A final mention for Musical Director, Justin Radford, who manfully creates a whole orchestra with his keyboard. Very effective. As ever, all in all, a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.