Cinderella

 It was a pleasure to go see Darlington Academy of Performing Arts’ (DAPA) Cinderella at Darlington Community Theatre. I sincerely uphold that amateur Pantomimes hold cultural significance in British theatre, serving as a beloved tradition that combines theatrical artistry, humour, and audience participation, creating a festive and inclusive entertainment experience for audiences of all ages.

"Cinderella" is a classic pantomime that tells the timeless story of a mistreated young woman dreaming of a better life. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella transforms for the royal ball, but the magic fades at midnight, leaving behind a lost glass slipper. The charming prince, alongside whimsical characters like the Ugly Sisters and Buttons, weaves a tale of magic, romance, and humour, resulting in a heart-warming celebration of love and happily ever after.

Kathryn Gibson's portrayed the title character “Cinderella”. This actress gave a powerful vocal performance that resonated throughout the venue, Gibson skilfully brought Cinderella to life. Her ability to navigate the character allowed her to lead the narrative seamlessly, infusing the story with grace and authenticity. As “Cinderella”, Gibson not only showcased her vocal prowess but also embodied the character's resilience and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Rebecca Richmond brought regal charm to the character of ‘Prince Charming’, adding grace and charisma to the romantic elements of the production. Siobhan Crittendon, as ‘Dandini’, provided a delightful dose of humour with her impeccable comedic timing, contributing to the overall dynamic and entertaining atmosphere of the play. Together, they formed a compelling duo, seamlessly blending narrative and comedy to create a memorable theatrical experience.

Nicola Broadhurst, as the “Fairy Godmother”, played a crucial role in seamlessly advancing the narrative alongside Kathryn Gibson's Cinderella. Her strong narration provided depth to the story, and her standout vocal performance in "Tonight Belongs to You" served as a captivating and clever conclusion to act one.

Adding comic relief were the two Ugly Sisters, portrayed by Lewis Waters ('Danni') and Julian Pinkney ('Fanni'), who adeptly embraced the role of the dame. Their comedic brilliance was evident in the clever use of props and engaging the audience through participation. Their comedic timing and understanding of the dame's character brought light heartedness to the production, creating moments of laughter and entertainment that perfectly balanced the enchanting narrative.

Laura Pattison, as ‘Buttons’, brought essential audience participation and humour to the production. Her engaging performance and clever comedic timing made Buttons a standout character, adding lively energy to the stage and creating moments of laughter that enhanced the overall experience.

Tianna Pascal's portrayal of “Baron” showcased a strong performance, bringing depth and skill to the character. Cathryn Lee, who played ‘Baroness Vindicta’, stood out with an exceptional vocal performance, particularly in the song "Bad Cinderella" Throughout her acting, Lee embodied the strong and evil characteristics of the role, making her a compelling antagonist.

Buttons group of young performers added a delightful touch to the production, showcasing the role of pantomime as a gateway for emerging talents. The inclusion of these younger performers not only enhanced the magic of the show but also introduced the pantomime tradition to a new generation, fostering a love for the performing arts among the youth.

The ensemble and dancers deserve accolades for infusing the production with unparalleled energy and pace. Their collective efforts enhanced the overall vibrancy of the performance, seamlessly transitioning scenes and providing a dynamic backdrop for the main characters. Through their precision, enthusiasm, and synchronised movements, the ensemble and dancers contributed significantly to the success of the production, ensuring an engaging and visually captivating experience for the audience.

Well done DAPA – I’m looking forward to your next venture.

Gordon Richardson – Report of Sunday Cast:

Watching the group on the Sunday production gave me the opportunity to comment on players where the roles had been dual cast, and to congratulate the whole cast on a job well done. The iconic role of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother was played by Camryn Mason with style (and a little feistiness) – a particular favourite scene of mine was the Act 1 finale of ‘Tonight Belongs to You’.

The prince’s valet, Dandini (Eleanor Tippey) and ‘hard done by’ Baron Hardup (Estela Rees), whilst minor roles, were made to count as they were played with confidence, clear dialogue and demeanour – I enjoyed inwardly chuckling at ‘Dandini’ racing across the stage in the background whilst pursued by two ugly sisters as the Prince, unaware, was intently ‘wooing’ Cinderella in the foreground.

One character in Cinderella that the audience always take to their hearts is ‘Buttons’ and they were correct to do so as Maddie Harris who played him was likeable and engaging throughout and not only played the role well but also ‘corralled’ the juniors in the cast during their small cameos.

Perhaps the nastiest role in any pantomime is the stepmother of Cinderella – fulfilling this role is normally much sought after as it gives the actress concerned a chance to flex her spitefulness and practice her barbed comments – no more so that Joanne Mason who excelled in channelling her ‘evil side’ to great effect.
Well done to all.

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