Cinderella

I've just come back from seeing the GDS panto, Cinderella. I've seen nearly all of them over the last ten weeks over the Christmas period... Adam Waters certainly knows his craft when it comes to Panto, this Cinderella was a no-holds-barred extravaganza from the begining to the finale. Your vision of this Cinderella paid off with superb direction. Along with Emma Constantine as choreographer, you both gave this Panto the wow factor.

Glourious Costumes from Tonia Plowman, helped by Jenny Jarvis from AACTS. So colourful. A triumph for Tonia…!! Not an easy job, I know, I have been there, and Tonia being in the show as well. Music was tracked and was at a high standard, and the sound was perfect in the Glassbox, I heard every word.

Adam you couldn’t have chosen a better cast. Cinderella played by Maria Dorey had the vulnerability that Cinderella should have, lovely singing voice and stage presence, as did Joel Blundell as Buttons. This man knows how to work his audience, a very professional approach from Joel, he had everything a Buttons should have, in both singing and ad-libbing dialogue- a joy to watch. Now we get to the UGLY sisters - what a tour da force they were! Comedy all the way (Rachel Champ and Rhea Baker) looking stunning in their outfits and both having the right amount balace between them, well done ladies you blew us away with your antics. James Stacey towering above all of the cast, he reminded me of La Viox, stunning from start to finish, a powerfull performance James. Percy Pigeon (Aimee Knight) cooing her way through a difficult part and dressed in a pigeon suit, Aimee you did that pigeon proud cooing cooing. Conor Whittaker as Prince Charming -  he was charming, tall, handsome and can certainly make the girls swoon. This talented man has it all, he is confident on stage and was a good match for Cinerella. His aide Dandini held the part (Cole Gilliespie), slap my thighs to you young lady.

Zoe Pozo as the fairy godmother looking every bit like a fairy, opened the panto, not an easy job, but you took it in your stride - well done Zoe. Baron Hardup (Marianna Allen) lovely characterisation from Marianna. Grabbit and Runne such a comedy pair (Tonia Plowman and Catherine Loft) bounced of each other beautifully. Well done to Stu Grace-Hicks for Keith the tree, I loved the accent and you certainly played this tree with class. Of course we must not forget the ensemble players these being Sally (Charlotte Galea), Derik (Tom Fletcher), Ken (Joseph Warrilow) and the great voice of Josie Stone. Also giving good support to the exceptional cast are: Emma Constantine, Josie Morris, Janna Chapman, Nicole Stears, Judy Bull, Willow Cheeseman, Harry Wildash and Harrison Forster. 

This Cinderella is a credit to GDS please keep up this standard in community theatre across Medway. 

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