Cinderella

The Dewsbury Collegians AOS brought the magic of pantomime to life with their vibrant and engaging production of Cinderella at Dewsbury Town Hall. With an open stage set adorned with painted flats and a video screen displaying the title, the scene was immediately set for a traditional and heartwarming tale.

The opening number burst with energy, setting the tone for a lively evening. Cadee Hawkins shone as Cinderella, portraying sweetness and showing great promise for future roles. She shared a warm and believable camaraderie with Buttons, played by Danny Brooks. Brooks was a bundle of energy, expertly engaging the audience with his antics, including the humorous care of his beloved teddy.

The story followed the traditional path, with Baron Hardup (Jeremy Handley) returning home with his new wife, Rubella (Lee Sharratt), and her scheming daughters, Gertrude (Jason Sykes) and Grizelda (Sean Mills). Handley captured the essence of a downtrodden husband, while Sharratt delivered a delightfully manipulative Rubella. As the Ugly Sisters, Sykes and Mills had excellent chemistry, generating laughs with their playful banter and their relentless pursuit of an unfortunate male audience member—a running gag that worked brilliantly.

Lauren O'Hare brought charm and elegance to the role of the Fairy Godmother. Dressed in a stunning silver gown, her rhyming dialogue was delivered confidently with a soothing Scottish lilt, guiding Cinderella towards her happy ending. Prince Charming, played by Natalie Jackson, epitomized the classic principal boy with polished mannerisms and a commanding presence. Jackson’s chemistry with Jodie Allen as Dandini was delightful; the two worked seamlessly together, showcasing lovely vocal harmonies. Allen’s portrayal hinted at a promising future as a principal boy herself.

Comedy highlights included bumbling builders Bodget (Janet Jackson) and Leggett (Susan Cunningham). Their hammer-and-nail scene drew hearty laughs, though their delivery might have benefitted from slightly faster pacing to maintain momentum. Jai Jai Ekins offered strong support as Chambers, impressing with excellent vocal projection.

The ensemble and dancers from The Sutton School of Dance added vibrancy and excitement to group scenes and musical numbers, complementing the principals well. CS Technicals lighting and sound design enhanced the experience, with attention to detail in the projected backdrops creating varied and effective visuals.

The production team—Sarah Tolson (Director) and Jacques Warlop (Musical Director)—delivered a traditional family pantomime that celebrated community spirit. The live band was a wonderful touch, adding depth to the atmosphere without overpowering the performers. A few small adjustments could further elevate the production, such as positioning the ensemble more dynamically across the stage and encouraging more movement from the principals during song introductions to maintain the audience’s attention.

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming production. The Dewsbury Collegians AOS should be very proud of their efforts in bringing Cinderella to life with such charm, humor, and community spirit. A wonderful evening of family entertainment!

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