Cinderella

It was good to see an almost full house for the Thursday performance of this production of Cinderella all waiting with eager anticipation for the show to begin.

With a lovely mix of young adults and youngsters in the cast the opening number certainly set the tone for the fun to come, and all the usual well-loved panto traditions were there encouraging lots of audience participation, much to everyone’s delight especially “it’s behind you!” and “Oh no it isn’t….” etc.

The cast was a wonderful mix of young to “older” and also from those on stage who had either never been on stage, those taking on principal roles for the first time to those who had a life time experience.

Abigail Haydock gave a frightening and extremely acerbic Baroness Dolittle, whose appearance took me back to the character of Joan Ferguson from Prisoner Cell Block H except the Bingley Amateurs production didn’t have the same wobbly set. Those of an older generation will understand my anecdote for younger readers a frightening resemblance to Miss Trunchbull.

The two Uglies Griselda, David Elliott and Dierdre, Ian Mottram were both as to be expected most unattractive to everyone except themselves and left no doubt to the audience that they really were “blokes in frocks”! Great to see that tradition still plays a part in entertainment. Both characters were a highlight of the show whenever they appeared much to the audience’s delight proving that the old jokes are still the best.

The two mice Chalk, Nylah May Doherty and Cheese, Grace Malarkey excelled in their performances and to say said very little played a huge part in the show including displays of acrobatics. Frankie Litchfield, whose first time on stage was most definitely in command during her appearances on stage, and in true panto style the endearing Fairy Godmother made it all come good in the end.

Keeping with tradition and making an attractive Prince Charming, Alice Moore, it was good to see a young lady as Principal Boy and nicely accompanied by a young man, showing promising stage presence with good reactions, in the role of Dandini, Sam Bland - both youngsters were either new to the company or new to a principal role.

Completing the main cast was of course Cinderella, Olivia Brown, gave a confident and well sung performance, while the young girl playing Buttons, Sophie Holdsworth simply held everything together and had the audience on her side right from the word go! Both had superb voices, and their singing was to be honest out of this world.

The simple scenery was enhanced by some very effective lighting, the usual panto village where the story seems to begin no matter what show you are watching, a good forest scene and the prince’s palace to name a few. The set design, although simplistic work extremely well as space was needed for the huge ensemble of youngsters on stage who moved with military precision giving the ensemble a moment to shine as a huge array of animals and other characters. Well done to choreographers Emma Wareing and Gina Walsh the choreography and movement were outstanding.

Excellent work done by the backstage team led by Stage Manager Colin Mitchell ensuring that the show ran smoothly from scene to scene.

Costumes throughout were colourful and well thought out with of course every time the Ugly Sisters came on they appeared in yet another hideous outfit!

There was plenty of music and singing throughout, with the band led by the “assistant choreographer” Danny Gamble – a man of clearly many talents but this one kept well hidden! Well done Danny as per usual a great sound from both on stage and in the pit.

Although the storyline remained traditional the script had been re-written by Ashley Woodhouse who also directed the show, keeping traditions of the characters and story, we all know and love with modern twists put in. David Ayres was also on board as Assistant Director.

Congratulations to Bingley Amateurs for pulling such a production together and one which was very warmly received – oh yes it was!

 

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