Cinderella

Adrian Barradell’s version of this well loved story was full of traditional panto scenes from the opening on the village green, to a delightful transformation, to the Ugly Sisters’ ghost-ridden bedroom and a grand wedding finale. It was also chock-full of corny jokes and witty one-liners which had the audience chortling and laughing in their seats. All this was delivered by the hard working cast of 18 named characters and a chorus of 23 young people. Cinderella was beautifully portrayed by Zoe MacBeath and was well matched by Gina Peasnall as Prince Charming - their rendition of “Time After Time” was delightful. Roslyn Oliver-Jones was a thigh-slapping Dandini and Tracey Chatten was excellent as the Baron’s man-of-all-work (and Cinderella’s lovelorn friend) Buttons. The Ugly Sisters Hyacinth and Lowercinth, played by the experienced dame Martin MacKenzie and Brett Plumridge making his debut as a dame, made a good comic pairing both verbally and visually with Brett using his Australian background to bring out his inner Dame Edna Everage. Much laughter was also elicited from the interactions between the banker’s men Rough (Sean MacIvor) and Ready (John Gunn) and with Baron Hardup (Ian Shearer). Sorrel Jones as the wicked stepmother Baroness Hardup revelled in the booing and hissing from the audience at her entrances and exits. No panto is complete without a Fairy Godmother and a twinkling Dawn Gregory, along with her sprites (Hannah Robertson, Nicole Jack and Rhianna Lall) made sure that all Cinderella’s dreams came true and everyone lived happily everafter. Strong support was given by Jade Green (Herald), Ginny O’Quinn (ballet mistress Madam Olga) and Mackenzie Devaney and Natasha MacNeil (Villagers). There was a good selection of music under the direction of Sharon Macleod ranging from the opening “Make Your Own Kind of Music” to “I’m On My Way” to one of my favourites “Sisters” and “Dancing Queen”. Well done everyone on bringing some cheer to a very frosty winter evening.

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