Cinderella

This new version of the much-loved tale, written by a member of the Banbury Cross Players, included most of the classic elements, although the traditional pantomime dame was a notable omission from the cast.  The script featured a number of truly terrible gags along with a sprinkling of contemporary references (such as the Baron regretting that he hadn’t swiped left on first seeing the Baroness), and some entertaining physical comedy; the few instances of mild innuendo were comfortably within the parameters of family-friendly entertainment.  I particularly enjoyed the word play (such as the misunderstanding around “Excuse me”), and the plot twists (I genuinely didn’t spot Verruca’s false leg in advance).  I also liked the self-critical and knowing asides (such as when it was pointed out that we should ignore the fact that we’d met Dandini earlier).  There were plenty of opportunities for audience participation, and that perennial favourite, the throwing of sweets into the auditorium, was resurrected (albeit with small packets of chocolate buttons), to the delight of those in the front few rows.

The company was led by the ugly sisters, Verruca and Bunion; wonderfully costumed in co-ordinating if not necessarily complementary outfits, they made an effective double act, breathing life into an often caustic sibling rivalry.  Their dialogue was notable for its pace and natural rhythm, and they interacted really well.  There was strong support from the debt collectors, Snatchit and Grab, and Baron and Baroness Hardup; Cinderella herself exuded grace and charm, while Prince Charming captured many of the character’s heroic poses while (perhaps wisely) giving the thigh-slapping a miss.  Buttons dealt very well with the heckles, some of which would have bewildered a less confident performer.

In many ways “Cinderella” epitomised the spirit of community pantomime, no more so than when Cinderella graciously forgave her stepmother and stepsisters in the final scene.  The show blended comedy, music, dancing, and some strong individual performances to good effect, while also involving plenty of young people and celebrating the town without taking itself too seriously.  The pre-closer sing-a-long summed up the whole thing for me: with the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas gifts replaced by an even more ridiculous selection of presents, and with manic choreography that tapped into the nature of the characters performing, the whole number gained momentum, like a juggernaut starting to roll down an incline, until it became a glorious, energetic and hugely enjoyable celebration of this curious seasonal tradition.  Well done to everyone involved.

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