Cinderella

 

From the very beginning this panto caught the enthusiasm of the audience and there was superb participation and encouragement from a capacity audience. Urged on by Buttons, very capably played by an energetic and enthusiastic Jaclyn Byham, the audience cheered and shouted in all the right places creating a great momentum to the plot. The script was written for the society by Director David Holman and the clever casting enabled every actor to play to their individual strengths.

The two Ugly Sisters were certainly larger than life characters, outrageous and extravagant in their conduct. Kevin Roychowdhury, as Chardonnay and Pelham Elliott as Beaujolais provided much of the hilarious comedy with insults to each other and constant vying for attention. Their costumes were excellent as were their wigs and makeup all helping to create these two ridiculous characters. Well done!

Sara Knight, as a very glamorous Fairy Godmother, interpreted this role very well. She had good stage presence throughout and displayed some great facial expressions.

Eloise Trett was a plausible Cinderella, in service to the two sisters but beloved by her father. She had a small solo to sing which she performed well.  Zoe Bell, as Prince Charming, was a typical principal boy, thigh slapping and hopelessly in love.

Quite an emotional role. Her side kick, Seb Ranson as Dandini was formal and unbending as befitted the role whilst desperately trying to rein in the impulsive Prince.

Michael Challis, as Baron Hardup and Jenni Ribbits as Baroness Hardup were central to the plot as impoverished gentry hoping to marry off their daughters to wealthy suitors. Michael played this role well, acting as a bumbling character, slow to understand and very often wrong. Jenni was a harder character making a clear distinction between Cinderella and her own daughters. These two actors complemented each other admirably.

Jessie Pitts and Micaela Doucette completed the cast, playing a number of small but highly important roles throughout.

The set, designed and built by the society was minimal but versatile, coping well with scene changes and there was good use of front of tabs to enable more complicated changes to take place. During these times Buttons or the Ugly Sisters “entertained” the audience so there was always something to watch or join in with.

The sound level was good with a few interesting effects and lighting was realistic with subdued lighting on occasions. Costumes throughout were realistic and in some cases spectacular ! Well done to Sara Knight and the SDS costume department.

I must congratulate David Holman for both writing the script and bringing it to stage as Director. Although Cinderella has been a much loved panto for many years this script felt fresh and lively, due to David’s interpretation and ability to bring out the talents of the actors. So congratulations to everyone involved in any way. This panto certainly helped the audience, and me, feel that Christmas had arrived.

 

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