Cinderella

In this tried and tested script by company stalwart Trevor Nicol we were whisked away to the country of Floriana wherein its Prince is searching for his true love. The script was full of the usual panto jokes, local references and songs with original lyrics by company member Caroline Nicol to the tunes of such well known numbers as “It Takes Two Baby”, “It’s a Kind of Magic” and “All the Single Ladies”. Aimee Ironside was delightful as the titular character Cinderella with a sweet singing voice and good stage presence. In this she was equally matched by flame-haired Luna Rose as a striking Prince Charming and their love duet was received in silence by the full house audience and credited with loud applause on its conclusion. Fiona McDonald was commanding as the Prince’s thigh slapping aide Dandini as she tried to bring some semblance of order to the antics of the Palace silly-billies Ben and Jerry. These two characters played by Ashley Taylor and the diminutive powerhouse Margo Fraser had the audience falling about with laughter at their every appearance. Another twosome – though somewhat more gruesome in appearance - were first time dames Scott Crichton and Tom Masterton as Cinder’s stepsisters Mandolina and Randolphina. They too had the audience in stitches as they niggled at each other and tried to woo the Prince – and any other eligible man! Another actor making a huge impression on his acting debut was Scott Ironside as the irrepressible Buttons with his cheeky grin and enthusiastic “Hiya Kids” at every entrance. Aileen Hendry revelled in every hiss and boo received as the bullying and overbearing Baroness Hardup whilst Lynne Taylor brought goodness and magic to the proceedings as the sparkling, pink Fairy Godmother. Strong support was given by Andrew Pyott as the hen-pecked Baron Hardup and Anne Bamborough as the ceremonial staff pounding Footman. The chorus of villagers, ball guests and Cinderella’s coach attendants all sang and moved well. The sets designed, and lit, by Allen Perrin were simple and colourful and the costumes were appropriate and colourful too – especially those of Mandolina and Randolphina! This was Tierney McLeod’s first foray into directing panto and an excellent job she made of it. Congratulations to all at The Florians for another great evening of festive enjoyment.

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