Cinderella

What a tremendous privilege to witness a production boasting 4 generations of one family , the backbone of a genuine community theatre company resting with the loyalty of its members. That loyalty then transferring down the generations which hopefully will provide the stability of the company for the years ahead. 

Cinderella the Pantomime needs no introduction, what it needs is the continuity of the story being brought to life, sprinkling of magic, comedy and slap stick alike, the goodies and the baddies, humour for all ages along with song and dance . Full complements to Rachel and Peter as they shared their years of knowledge and skill bringing out the best of your all age cast. 

The cleverness of the plot in using young ugly sisters and young cinders worked really well, whilst providing small cameo roles for those involved. The production was full of clever inventive sections, the re wording of songs ‘Primark is a Girls Best Friend’ The pie scene, ‘You’ve drivin in my Car ‘ .footloose’ along with the imaginative way the carriage and horse was created for transporting Cinders to the ball. Simple but so cleverly choreographed. 

Like so many productions you require principle characters but additionally there are many cameo roles to perform, these complimenting the overall results. I like how so many performers have character names and the interest in high end car types didn’t go unnoticed.! Cinderellas Mother by San Graham-levers, love the tree coat. Young Cinders shared by Rosie Eccles and Drew Edwards. Baron Hardup by John Gregory Norton. Young Porsche shared by Eliza Clark and Eliza Lambert. Young Mercedes shared by Gracie Lisle and Libby Rawson. Royal Page shared by Thomas Marshall and Alex White. Queen Tesla by Jasmin Milner along with King Polestar by Alan Kay. All these roles performed with confidence and good stage presence . The Fairy by Rebecca Gregory , the story teller, kept the production story flowing along with very clear delivery and character. Baroness Hardup by Lyndsey Lindley , wow a powerful role played without mercy , you certainly didn’t like being ‘ Hardup’ some great scenes with your beloved daughters. Cinderella by Hana Edwards , the downtrodden maid who eventually wins the day, Well done , a role requiring many guises, sadness and joy in equal parts. Some moving scenes with your sisters, and not forgetting your best friend Buttons . your duet with the Prince ‘ Your making my Dreams come True’ along with you and Buttons in your dream, going to the ball ,scene . Fairy Godmother by San Graham-levers , some lovely cameo scenes, You will go the Ball , creating the carriage , and others well performed. Buttons by Gabriel Sideras you should be very proud of your performance. you made that mad cap part your own , creating great audience reaction, always busy , lovely scenes with Cinders along with battling with the Ugly Sisters . The considerable contrast in height between you and Joshua and Jonney was hilarious. Prince Charming by Ava Quince and Dandini by Lylah Gregory . You both gave very convincing performances working with each other to great effect along with ‘ Thank you for Being a Friend’ sung very well.. So many comedy moments, switching characters, some lovely singing and clear delivery of script. Dandina whilst avoiding the sisters approaches along with the relationship between Prince Charming and Cinders well portrayed. 

Every pantomime needs a larger than life …….man in a dress character….. In this production you get TWO . Porsche by Joshua Milner and Mercedes by Jonney Glaves. Wonderful powerful performances throughout, you fed off each brilliantly with so much humour. Your work with the audience was excellent. You both had so many great scenes, the finest array of costume changes, slapstick a plenty. Comedy delivered so seriously which is the true art, with timing that was spot on. Your understanding of each other was great constantly questioning, lots of audience asides, really well delivered scenes along with plenty of physical theatre moments. I had the delight of seeing Team A but Im sure that Team B would bring the same amount of enthusiasm lighting up the stage with their wide smiles and youthful energy, well done. Other cast members whilst previously not mentioned all contributed to a wonderful evening of genuine family entertainment. The simplistic set in blue gold and white provided a fitting backdrop , and the sound balance from the mini orchestra worked well. 

AND FINALLY ……..In life I’m sure we all strive for 100% in all we do, sadly not always quite succeeding, in cricketing terms the batsmen strives to score 100 but often falls short……………………… but in a  gentleman called Mr.Harvey Kay I can say, hand on heart, I have witnessed a unique performance, one that will never be repeated. A performer on each time he entered the stage, owned the stage. His diction was beautifully clear and stage presence the envy of many . The Royal Equerry, Harvey, has earnt that title over and over. He was one of the inaugural founder members of the society when it started in 1948 and to this momentous day continues to be the beacon at the top of the High Green MTG tower. So many youngsters will have lasting memories of the man and on a personal note I shall never forget his last few farewell words as he left his stage. 100 years old , he did achieve his 100% . Thank you, Harvey Kay. 

The costumes were a joy and massive compliments to the vision and ability to produce the colour and flair on stage. The backstage team, the chaperones and your FOH team , thank you all as without the unsung members we have nothing . 

I trust I have not forgotten anyone as not always without a programme but totally understand your reasoning. 

Thank you for a lovely evening and wishing you all success for the remainder of your sold-out week

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