Cinderella

A huge NODA North welcome to Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society; the latest group to join us in District 1. Even though this wonderful Group has been in existence since 1973, this is their first time as a NODA Affiliated Group, and we are so happy to have them on board.

Their venue, the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre is a superb asset to both them and to the other user groups. It is a small, intimate space with a raked seating capacity of 162, but exceptionally well refurbished and used as a modern, comfortable, community arts facility.

Considering the size of this lovely little venue, once the action commenced and the live band struck up, all of those associated fears vanished and Councillor Peter and myself were transported into the land of make believe, with fabulous scenic cloths, imaginative staging, exceptionally apt and colourful costumes, lighting and super sound effects. Wonderful music, choreography and comedy. Combined with first class direction and acting of the finest panto has to offer.

There were many added bonuses too; A very strong principal and supporting cast. A young and switched-on chorus and dance troup who were quite obviously enjoying every moment they were onstage. A great band who beggared the belief that there were only four players (sounded like twenty four !). Superb A4 size souvenir programmes, a raffle, AND Arighi’s Italian ice cream in the interval… who could ask for more!.

There were absolutely no weak links in the acting ensemble; The ‘love interest’ was beautifully played by Zoe Buckthorpe who sang and acted the role of Cinderella to perfection, and a very charming Lewis Hill as Prince Charming. He was well supported by Zach Hardy as Dandini - with their strong acting, singing and dancing skills. Stu Bennett was a superb Buttons. He had some excellent comedic gags and had his audience comfortably in the palm of his hand. The ugly step-sisters; Danny and Fanny Hardup were superbly played by Chris Orchard and Sam Kennedy. They, along with BRIAN from Cramlington, wrung every bit of fun out of the equally superb Tom Whalley script and were also boo-able all at the right times too. A lovely Fairy Godmother was very ably brought to life by the wonderful Katie Jackson; her singing and diction were perfect. The nasty Baroness Vindicta Hardup was gorgeously hateable, evilly played by Ellee Jacobson. We could tell how much enjoyment she extracted from her portrayal. Last but not least, Baron Hardup was nicely played by Jennifer Foulkes. A part sometimes glossed over in some productions, but a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal contributed well to the story. This was traditional family pantomime of the highest quality. With old and new songs delivered with gusto by a strong cast.

Vital backstage contributions to the obvious success of this production were also in abundance. Directors Elle Pearson and Stu Bennett can be super-proud of their efforts. Gareth Miller and his band were tremendous and his hard work paid off in the musical standard achieved. Choreographers Katie Jackson and Celeste O’Hara assisted by Dance Captains Emily Moore and Freya Gallagher produced some very tight and spectacular dancing, movement and acrobatics. Well done!.

The stage crew, led by Neal Armiger and Michael Iley were responsible for seamless changes and special effects. Lighting design by Adam Roff with Sound by Alex Ridley, operated by Alex, Mathew Hall and Elle Pearson was first class, and added to the authenticity and colour of the production, with costumes by Jo Marnock and Sue Walton, with Steph Quinn, Jo Gallagher and Claire Deeming assisting.

Some splendid props, including a full-sized, fully lit coach drawn by ‘Unicorns’ in the transformation scene, huge pumpkins and oversized kitchen dressings abounded. Thanks to Chris Orchard and his team; Jo Gallagher, Helen and Beth Orchard.

This was my first panto of the season. And WOW!!! It has certainly set the ‘bar’ at a very high level. I am so proud they are in my district and we look forward to Mother Goose next year.

Many thanks from me and Councillor Peter for the invitation and warm hospitality. We had a fabulous time.

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