"Cinderella"

“Cinderella” is perhaps the best known of all the stories which have been used for pantomimes, It’s also been seen in ballet form and in versions by Disney and Rodgers and Hammerstein amongst others, not forgetting a gender-changing musical by Vivian Ellis from 1928 titled “Mr. Cinders”.

A song in that show sets out a challenge to “Spread a little happiness” and this production succeeded in meeting this without difficulty.  The Director and Musical Director had taken a fairly traditional but witty script by Alan P. Frayn, added some local references, often aimed at North Yorkshire Council and some well-chosen music on backing tracks, all of which combined to provide an entertaining production.

Its success was due in no small measure to several contributions from a team of youngsters from the locally-based Studio 3 Dance Workshop, whose routines were skilfully performed in some colourful costumes, whether as soldiers, mice or members of the palace staff. Doreen Driffield as Fairy G introduced us to the villagers of Stoneybroke and we soon met Buttons, an employee of Baron Hardup, who shared with us his secret love for Cinderella. Austin Heslop played a lumberjack in last year’s panto and we can only assume that the couple met in the forest whilst our heroine was collecting firewood, after which she was able to secure his promotion to his position at Hardup Hall. He quickly established a good rapport with the audience in what was his first principal role. As Cinderella Julie Wrightson displayed all the charm you expect from her character, particularly resplendent in her ball gown. In contrast, David Bunting and Ham Holden were suitably repulsive as her step-sisters, Gertrude and Grizelda, the latter quite clearly on something of a man-hunt with her eye on a particular member of the audience.  I suppose it’s as well to have something of a plan B in case you don’t strike lucky with the Prince. In this role, Jocelyn Taylor-Cook looked every bit as regal as his position demanded, aided by the ever-reliable Dandini, confidently played by Lauren Taylor-Cook.  Frankie Jackson as Chambers ensured that all things royal, whether it be a visit to a village, a ball or a shoe-fitting session proceeded with appropriate formality.  Few in the audience would not have sympathised with Ian Hagues as the unfortunate Baron, clearly the victim of an unhappy marriage. Jemma Bunting made such a good job of the part of the Baroness that you did wonder what the old chap had seen in her.  Every pantomime seems to have a couple of rather less than efficient workmen, policemen or such-like and here we had Bodgett and Leggett as what might politely be called property developers as they sought to convert Hardup Hall into more affordable housing.  Marie Chapman and Lindsey Martin made the most of their opportunities for humour in these roles. 

A chorus of seven added their singing voices when required as villagers, guests at the ball, trees in the forest and, in one case, a signpost to the Hall. The entire production was enhanced by some good costumes, wigs, scenery and lighting. Special mention must be made, however, of the work of set designers and builders Matt Harvey and Mark North, particularly for a splendid coach.

The cast had no difficulty with what might otherwise have been a tough first night as the average age of the audience was perhaps greater than is often the case (your correspondent being partly to blame). I am sure that subsequent sell-out performances with the usual supply of younger audience members will have proved even more successful.                               

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