Cinderella

The joy of walking into any venue whilst out of “NODA Duties” is the never ending warm welcomes you receive from the Front of House Teams. This special group of people consisted of Kathleen Snooks, Bernadette Heyes Dreda Glennie, Rusty Grayson, Trish Haigh, Jenny Hall, Janet Neill and Louise Warwick. From the enthusiastic programme selling to the light hearted banter with the raffle tickets these people set the tone for what will be a fun and entertaining evening.

Cinderella is a story for all ages and I was unaware of just how far back the origins to this story go. A quick flick through the nicely presented programme informs us all that this story can be traced back over 2000 years to a Greek courtesan called Rhodopis, who knew!!! This version was written by Ben Crocker and was pacey, funny and had all the Panto magic you longed for.

As I entered the auditorium, I was greeted by Bobby from CS Technical, from here I knew that sound and lighting were in good hands. Bobby was like an octopus as he worked the desk and ensured all the cast could be heard at the right level and at the right time. The lighting, effects and backdrop projections were perfect for this production and testament to the professionalism of this company.

The Parochial Hall is a lovely venue but it doesn’t have the biggest stage to work with so Directors need to box clever with how they set the production. Great use of a rear projection screen and modest use of curtains enhanced the simple set which in my opinion was perfect. Every scene change was slick and never broke the pace. Stage Managed by Al Muskett and with a team that consisted of David Waterhouse and Charlie Wilson were an important part of the quality of this pantomime.

Costumes were brilliant. From the delightful Cinderella dress which changed on stage to the garish ugly sisters costumes, every member of the cast were dressed beautifully. Alongside the costumes there was the make up which can be over done with pantomimes but was just right on this occasion. Congratulations must go to Carolyn Taylor and Judith Morrison for Make up and I will comment on the Wardrobe lead later.

In casting this production the Director must have sat back and said “Well that’s a fab cast” because it was. Ian Taylor was Baron Hardup. Ian gave a measured and balanced performance which was just right to ease the anarchy that was happening in other scenes.

Gail Pogson was the Fairy Godmother and was delightful. Gail brought a gentle touch to her scenes and showed great warmth.

The Comedy duo of Messer’s Smash and Grab were expertly played by Chris Comber and Amy Blackburn. They were fantastic as the “Heavies” and led the charge through 500 Miles brilliantly. A joy to watch.

Dandini was Alison Gibson. Alison never put a foot wrong. A very assured and confident performance with just the right amount of sarcastic wit in her delivery.

In a change to the traditional Panto Dame role Robbie Pogson was Davilia Hardup, the battleaxe wife of the Baron and wicked step mum to the longsuffering Cinderella. Robbie was at ease snarling and flaring his nostrils at the audience getting boos and hisses in abundance.

The Prince was played by Holly Comber-Moccia. This is a hard role to play as you don’t get the big laughs as you are there more for the destination rather than the journey, but Holly brought all her experience and quality to make this memorable. Her duet with Cinderella was beautiful.

The Ugly Sisters were outstanding.  Beryl – Luke Wood and Cheryl – Richard Haigh were never out of character and I watched them being incredibly naughty thinking that this must have been a blast in rehearsals. The audience were in stiches watching them try to one up each other fighting for the affections of the Prince.

Cinderella is nothing without a good Buttons and Johnny Haynes was just perfect. The audience truly loved him and he had the kids screaming and shouting his name with enthusiasm. He gave a great performance and should be incredibly proud.

Oh before I forget we had a horse…Silver!!! Wea re introduced to Silver via a back projection of her galloping through fields and looking majestic. She then enters stage left…hilarious!!! Silver was played by Emmie Pierce and Sam Wood and they brought some personality to Silver and brought her to life.

And so to Cinderella. Hannah Jones was perfectly cast as the down trodden maiden waiting for her prince to come. Hannah acted and sang with elegance and brought a lovely touch of pathos to the touching moments with the Baron and with the Prince. Delightful to watch and huge congratulations.

No cast can truly be complete without a company to support them. Linzi Haigh, Shelley Jackson, Julie Mallinson, Scarlette Stevenson, Heidi Taber-Garcha and Vivienne Payne were the glue to hold the whole thing together as any quality ensemble should. Great singing and dancing added true value to the production.

Oh….I have to mention this and I’m sorry to say but…the kids were amazing!! From spiders to lizards they were so very cute and made the whole room light up. My cheeks physically hurt from smiling at them and they looked to be having the best time ever which in essence is what this should be all about. Ethan Comber-Moccia, Georgia Comber-Moccia, Forest Taylor and Ethan Jackson take a bow as you stole the hearts of the audience.

Jeff Taylor was the Musical Director for this production and he had at his control The Jeff Taylor Combo which included Mark Jordon – Drums, Andy Cole – Keyboard and Malcolm Payne on Guitar. Jeff got the very best out of the singers and the band were balanced and never overpowered the performers. A special mention must go to the man of many talents Malcolm Payne. Apart from playing he managed to run onto stage and one point to be the photographer in Flash Bang Wallop before flying back to the pit to play the next number.

Now I have not mentioned the Wardrobe lead yet, props, the choreographer or indeed the Director. Vivienne Payne was all of this and more. How she managed to cover all of this is nothing short of a miracle. The dance routines were fab and enhanced the songs never distracting from them, the staging and direction was first class and the clever touches like bringing characters into the auditorium helped engage the audience and bring them on the journey.  

This was a first rate evening of entertainment from a very likeable and friendly society and I would like to send my sincerest thanks to all involved. I look forward to returning in October when MPCAODS perform the forever loved Brassed Off.

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