Cinderella

Cinderella at Sale NOMADS took the audience on a magical journey from the very moment we stepped through the doors. After being warmly greeted by the front‑of‑house team, whose friendliness set the tone for the afternoon, we took our seats and were quickly whisked away into a world of colour, comedy, and classic pantomime charm. The atmosphere in the auditorium buzzed with excitement, and it was clear that the audience, young and old alike, were ready for an afternoon of festive fun.

The show opened with a brightly coloured, high‑energy rendition of Marry You. Every single performer on stage delivered strong vocals and infectious enthusiasm, instantly drawing the audience into the story. It was the kind of opening number that makes you sit up a little straighter, smile a little wider, and think, “Yes, this is going to be a good one.” The choreography was slick, the harmonies were tight, and the cast’s commitment to the moment made it impossible not to be swept along.

Other musical numbers throughout the performance kept that momentum going. I Like to Move It! had the audience tapping their feet and laughing along, while Abracadabra brought a burst of energy and sparkle that perfectly suited the magical elements of the story. These ensemble pieces showcased not only the talent of the performers but also the thoughtful work of the creative team behind the scenes.

And speaking of the creative team, they deserve high praise for the sheer quality of this production. From the slick transitions to the powerful vocals and the stunning choreography, it was clear that an enormous amount of work had gone into bringing this pantomime to life. Direction by Diane and Ross Douglas ensured the show moved at a lively pace while still allowing each character their moment to shine. Megan Douglas’s choreography was dynamic and polished, while the ‘Little Dancers’ choreographed by Karen Carr and Lauren Cowie added an extra layer of charm and delight. Musically, the show was in excellent hands with Tom Guest, whose direction ensured every number landed with confidence and clarity.

Of course, no production of Cinderella would be complete without Buttons, and Ian Moss delivered a standout performance in the role. His quick wit, warm stage presence, and effortless audience interaction made him an instant favourite. He had the children giggling, the adults chuckling, and the entire auditorium rooting for him from start to finish. Buttons is the heart of any Cinderella pantomime, and Ian played the role with exactly the right blend of humour and sincerity.

Then came the Ugly Sisters, Betty and Wilma, played by Stuart Sephton and Adam Garnett. Far from the typical caricatures, this duo brought something fresh, sharp, and brilliantly funny to the stage. Their comedic timing was impeccable, and their chemistry as a pair was undeniable. You can always tell when a comedy duo has put in the rehearsal hours, and Stuart and Adam’s delivery was polished, confident, and consistently hilarious. They had both myself and my guest in stitches more than once.

It was also a delight to see Howard Anson take to the stage as Marvin Mouse. Usually seen front of house, Howard’s appearance as this quirky, lovable character was a treat. His costume was fantastic, and his mannerisms and characterisation were spot‑on, keeping the audience fully engaged whenever he scurried into view.

Sarah Cook brought a regal charm to the role of Prince Charming, delivering her lines with confidence and singing with clarity and strength. She captured the poise and warmth of the character beautifully. Angela Cooke, as Cinderella, played the role with grace, sincerity, and a lovely sense of innocence. Her vocals were gentle yet assured, and she carried the emotional heart of the story with ease. Together, Sarah and Angela created a believable and endearing fairytale partnership. I have to say that the vocals in the duet ‘Stargazing’ between Cinderella and Prince Charming were both stunning and powerful, I do like it when performers listen to each to ensure their harmony lines, in particular, are on point.

Jess Dyer’s Dandini added a lively spark to the royal scenes, bringing humour, personality, and a strong stage presence. Her interactions with Prince Charming were playful and engaging. No Cinderella story would be complete without the Fairy Godmother, and Izzy Stuart‑Cole stepped into the role with warmth and confidence. Her scenes were delivered with a lovely sense of magic and reassurance, and her vocals added a touch of sparkle to the musical numbers she featured in.

And then, of course, there was the villain of the piece, Baroness Hardup, played by Lisa Burke. A good pantomime villain must strike the perfect balance between wickedness and entertainment, and Lisa did exactly that. She commanded the stage with confidence, eliciting boos and hisses from the audience with relish while still keeping her performance fun and engaging.

The wardrobe team, Chris Hutson, Janet Morley, Jackie Anson, and their dedicated team, deserve enormous credit. Every costume was beautifully fitted, vibrant, and perfectly aligned with the artistic vision of the show. From the dazzling ballgowns to the outrageous outfits of the Ugly Sisters, the costumes elevated the production at every turn. Combined with the impressive staging and set design by Bryan Shakeshaft and Neil McDonald, the visual world of the pantomime felt complete, cohesive, and full of personality.

Overall, Sale NOMADS delivered a truly delightful production of Cinderella, one filled with laughter, music, heart, and a genuine sense of community spirit. The audience was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and the warmth and hospitality shown by the entire team made the evening even more enjoyable.

Well done to everyone involved. Thank you once again for your warm welcome, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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