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Cinderella

Author: Ken Allan

Information

Date
11th January 2025
Society
Tynemouth Priory Theatre
Venue
Priory Theatre Tynemouth
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Beccy Gilmore
Musical Director
Susie Jones
Choreographer
Viv Greener
Producer
Written By

Tynemouth Priory Theatre Group followed up their very successful 2024 Pantomime HUMPTY DUMPTY with probably the best known and most loved of all time – CINDERELLA for their 2025 production. It was the first I saw, as a child, and the most memorable to me due to – in the main; the transformation scene.

It was also one of the ‘big ones’ Director Beccy Gilmore said in her programme notes ‘she would never do’; due to the high expectations of the audiences, actors and crew. Well, thank goodness she did, because it exceeded mine, at least!. Yes, it was magical. Yes, it was entertaining, and yes, it was true to tradition. As expected!.

She and her exceptionally talented cast and crew created a wonderful Panto. Full of colour and imagination, which kept its packed audience enthralled throughout.

I always feel comfortable at the Priory; nothing to do with the seating, but everything to do with expectation and confidence in what I am going to witness. This was no exception. Congratulations to all concerned.

The principal cast were superb and acted and reacted with one-another very well. The Fairy Godmother – Lyndsey Spark was lovely and sung her role superbly. Erin Kerr played her role of Cinderella with ease and with great singing, and was a very convincing half of the love interest in the plot, along with Helen Bowman as a very dashing Prince Charming. She was nicely aided by Dandini – Fraire Armstrong. Alex Heppell played the part of Buttons with comedy and experience and had her audience in the palm of her hand. The Ugly Sisters – Hysteria and Listeria – Stu Bowman and Dave Cooper, were suitably OTT, both in terms of their characterisation and their appearance – as you would expect.

The supporting cast were equally good with stand-out performances from Brooke Milburn as the Wicked Stepmother, Jon Mills as Baron Hardup, Anne Hogg as Grabit and Julie Hope as Bagit; the debt collectors.

An excellent youthful chorus of eleven were attentive and took a full part in the action. Albeit a little hard to hear their lines at times.

The dancing was athletically superb and very well choreographed. Congratulations Vivienne Greener and Stages School of Dance. You were all fabulous!.

This was all topped-off with the inclusion of a real pony - Jasmine in the transformation scene – supplied by C & E Equestrian. A lovely touch! and well produced.

Susie Jones MD and her Musical Family Team of Cerys, Noah and Brodie were also superb. Playing several instruments to enhance the production. Well done!.

To complement the production further, the super set designed by Andy Gilmore, built by Andy, Phil Emmerson, Chris Young and Hugh McIntosh, Stage Managed by Phil  and his crew Thomas Gilmore, Richard Hay and Laurence Hill was tremendous. Beautifully lit by Mathew and Tony Hall and Richard Hay, with Sound by Andy Gilmore and great Projections by James Elliot. With a marvellous Wardrobe Team of Jess Watson and Anne Hogg, with Jen Woods and Amanda Rickaby backstage, wowza Wigs by Chris Carr and superb props by Anne Leake, Ali Broughton and Liz Castle.

This superb family panto contained all of the ingredients of a wonderful classic. An enjoyable, magical night’s entertainment. Thanks for the invitation, Pauleen and I enjoyed our visit.

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