Cinderella

The first pantomime I saw, as a Regional Representative, was way back in 2012 and here I am, with what may be my last! I’ve seen quite a few in the interim and here I am, back where I started, with Dragon Tale Theatre Group. I have always enjoyed visiting this company. Each production has seemed like a very inclusive party, involving all those present on stage and in the audience. This year they gave us a very traditional version of Cinderella, with its familiar plot. Leading lady, Cate Wootton, was a very demure Cinders, set about by two quite frightening Ugly Sisters glorying in the names of Prosecco (Ben Rutherford-Orrick) and Mohito (Louis Popov) and their charming mother, Lady Hardup. Luckily, Cinders has a pretty Fairy Godmother (Hayley Kock), a faithful and amusing Buttons (Fintan Ellender) and, to a lesser extent, her father, Baron Hardup (Ray Moore) to fight her corner.

Dragon Tale always fill the stage with as many children, youngster and adults as they can. I may be wrong but between me and the names in the programme, I calculated at least 85 in the cast and on the stage. Marianne Nesbit, as stage manager, must have a heart like a lion, although she does have a large group of helpers, also keeping an eye on things,

So, what about the show itself!? Well, everyone on stage was full of enthusiasm and the principals held everything together. Each person on stage, from the youngest to the eldest, seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. A few more names deserve a mention for helping to carry the narrative forward. Let’s see. There was, of course Prince Charming (Mac Toal) who made an attractive couple with Cinders, his major domo, Dandini (Peter McKay), King and Queen Charming (Daniels Gowens and Fiona Toal), the husky throated Town Crier (Stu Mould) and many of those on stage had to cover the parts of various characters. As I may have already indicated, a very busy group of performers, many of whom I must apologise to for not mentioning them by name, just too many!  I did notice there was not quite as much booing and hissing as usual. Maybe the audience liked even the “baddies” just a little too much!

A little on the long side, time-wise, for an old chap like me and my guest but we did each win a prize in the raffle. All in all, a most enjoyable and entertaining matinee performance.

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