Cinderella

Eastwood returned to Clarkston Halls for Panto this year and once again managed to transform a restrictive stage area into a great setting.  The use of bright and colourful backcloths, along with simple set pieces to enhance the scenes was very effective and set the atmosphere perfectly.  I was visiting on a Dress Rehearsal night, and with that in mind the full cast, crew and production team should be commended for giving a show standard performance even if it was technically a dress run.  Everything went smoothly and the show ran straight through even with the required audience participation.  The smaller audience meant that Daniel and I were prime targets for this from the Uglies, thank you boys!!

This version of Cinderella follows the traditional story with lots of panto business keeping the energy up throughout, which was handled well by every principal involved in these scenes.  The ghost gag in the Uglies bedroom in particular was hilarious and who doesn’t enjoy a “12 days of Christmas” … well maybe apart from the people running about the stage performing it!!  

Taking on the title role of Cinderella was Danielle Angus who captured the sweetness of the part perfectly.  Her singing was lovely, and she was every inch a princess.  Reece Folan was the charismatic Prince Charming who delivered strong vocals and a confident suave character.  Reece was supported by his able sidekick Lisa Tawse as Dandini.  Lisa was just hilarious in this role, with her physicality and facial expressions bringing lots of humour.  Completing the palace characters was Nanette Campbell as Major Domo.  A scene stealer for sure with the featured role, Nanette was great and her being lifted and carried off from one scene was an excellent comedy move.  The iconic role of Buttons was played exceptionally by Cheryl Easton.  Cheryl had great stage presence, confidently commanding the stage in each of her scenes.  She had the right balance of the cheeky Buttons and the warm character who kept the audience updated with the story and gags.  Now what would Cinderella be without the Ugly Stepsisters.  Ross McDougall (Claterina) and Murray Constable (Tatiana) working very well together, each bringing their own individuality to the roles which blended seamlessly.  Their timing, physicality, one-liners, and reactions were on point from the second they stepped on the stage, and you could tell they were having the best time up there.  The perfect pair.  Bringing the Fairy Godmother to life was Jen McNair who was able to showcase her powerhouse vocals in the role, in particular the transformation song was amazing.  She balanced the sweetness of the Fairy Godmother with humour and kept the story moving along.  The Baron and Baroness brought some sophistication and class to the madness in the house … with comedy of course added into the mix as well.  The downtrodden Baron was played by Director Ross Adam who gave a perfect balance to the controlling and cruel Baroness played by Dawn Carlos.  Dawn and Ross worked very well together, and their duet in particular was very funny.  A great song choice for the characters.      

With a great varied selection of music and a nice balance of energetic and softer flowing choreography each musical number fitted nicely into the story, aided each scene and helped the story and characterisation develop.   Another great panto for the club, congratulations to the production team, cast and crew.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.