Cinderella

This was my first visit to IPADS who I am delighted to say have just joined NODA. A group of locals decided it was time to bring back community theatre to their village and the committee under the leadership of Peter Myers are now presenting their third panto and, with the support shown and reaction of the packed hall, they love it. A fun packed family panto with a touch of magic was brought together by Director Nathan Crawley. The Chairman of Icklesham Trust Committee Tony Thorne introduced local MP Helena Dollimore and County Councillor Godfrey Daniels, and a large group of neighbouring NODA members, Rye Players. A presentation of a substantial cheque was made, and technical assistance from Fairlight Players, also NODA members was appreciated.

The scenes were depicted simply but effectively using small flats and a collection of props created by Karen Salfarlie and helpers Ruth & Amy Jenkins, Tanya Reddin & Kate Burgess  with particular mention, the delightful  carriage and long fairylike horse puppet that floated up with central aisle operated by Kim Warren and Daisy Abrahams with Amy Jenkins as the Groom. Balustrades, a leafed ‘Wild Wood’  tree with Sarah Thomas moving branches, kitchen pots and pans, mice and rats, the clock standing in the Ballroom, a library, Beryl and Cheryl’s bedroom naming a few, water pistols of various sizes that reached well into the audience!

Karen Salfarlie and Tanya Reddin took care in costuming all the characters. The ugly sisters were both flamboyant and colourful with great blond and auburn wigs and make-up to match, with the help of Carly Pepper. Cinderella’s transition from rags to riches worked effectively too. Ever-hopeful Buttons wore very neat turquoise breeches and tunic decorated with many buttons. The royal Prince and trusted assistant Dandini were elegant as was money-grabbing, nasty to boo at Baroness Devilia, and what a splendid spider Ellie Thomas looked. Jason Thomas doubled up as a lovable horse, never to win the National, ‘Devon Dumpling’, and the Major Domo.

With rhyming lines Lucinda Silva was a delightful Fairy Godmother in her lace hood cape, who struck the magic chords enabling Cinders to go to the Ball, fall in love with the  handsome Prince and everyone lived happily ever after. Dandini, faithful friend, was played by Dusty Jenkinson who swapped places with Prince Charming, royally played by Lerryn Deaves, which of course caused more confusion! Emily Crawley as love struck Buttons, confidently encouraged the audience to join in, which grew in volume as the evening progressed. Ruth Jenkins played the brow beaten, stony-broke Baron Hardup who we felt sorry for, whilst his wife Devilia was characterised so elegantly but evilly by Liz Thomas, who we loved to boo. A  charming performance from Molly Burgess as badly treated member of the Hardup family Cinderella – a most effective transformation scene and very sweet duet with her Prince. The terrible two, who are expelled from school appeared in their gym slips and satchels -  great comedy pair with Nathan Crawley as Cheryl and Peter Myers as Beryl. Well partnered – they vie for attention, are rude, vain and truly ugly. With effective use of the central aisle, young debt collectors serving the gentry, crafty Mr Snitch – Amelia Reddin-Stokes - and Mr Snatch – Lydia Crawley - in their bowler hats made another well cast comic pair.

Nick Warren was responsible for the well-chosen music, whilst he accompanied much on his guitar with a good rendition of ‘I’m a Believer,’ and the audience did the ‘Grand Old Duke of York’ proud. Modern movement was devised by Emily Crawley Taking a key role and directing is quite a task to undertake which Nathan achieved by the enjoyable and fun result. Behind scenes, equally as important, were multi-tasking Karen Salfarlie and Trish Buxton with young Will Kneller taking on the sound and lighting board, Donna Crawley as Chaperone and Yvonne Cotterell your Prompt, who I do believe was speechless! It is very encouraging to see young members of the group taking up roles giving them such confidence.

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