Cinderella

The story is well known of course; we know that Cinderella is not being treated well by her wicked step mother and step sisters. Will she fall in love, get to the Prince’s ball, leave before mid-night and be reunited with the Prince for ever? 

Powick Players set the opening scene in front of a gauze, behind which you could make out the old village of Wyre Piddle, the first of many local references which the audience easily related to. In front we meet a charming Fairy Godmother played well throughout by Lizzie Griffiths and the wicked Baroness Vindicta, played by the most appropriately vindictive Julie Merry, who took no time in engaging with the audience, repeatedly! The Fairy explained the start of the story and we meet younger versions of Cinders and her two step sisters and I thought that was effective. The first company number was ‘9 to 5’; a colourful start with an impressive contribution from dancers from the Studio B Dance School.

Jade Merry played an endearing Buttons, full of energy and engaging, sadly only ever likely to be Cinders’ best friend. Al Linforth made a great Cinderella, long suffering with a lovely disposition and voice to match. Her also long-suffering father, Baron Hardup was well played by Dave Allen, making numerous local references from Tolladine to Pershore which the audience enjoyed.

Soon to arrive were Prince Charming and Dandini, played with great ease by Ethan Cook and a hunch-back like Tom Dalton which provided characterisation. They both sang well throughout including ‘Does your Mother Know’. The arrival of the two ugly sisters (Jack Heaton – Fanny Hardup and Ian Hardman – Danni Hardup) provided impetus, not least with some superb costumes – I think I counted 8 sets in total throughout. Their dialogue was presented at a good pace with a good dollop of slapstick for the youngsters in the audience and some other comedy, at times near the knuckle, for the adults! Their number ‘All That Jazz’ with the company was great.

There was a very nice woodland scene with 8 of the younger dance school students and the chorus, again beautifully dressed. Cook’s number ‘Somebody to Love’ with the young soldiers was enjoyable and I liked ‘When you’re good to Mama’ sang by Julie Merry with the impressive senior dancers. Invitations have been issued for the Prince’s ball but the Hardup girls force Cinders to rip hers up. The Fairy Godmother comes to the rescue and I felt the transition from pumpkin and mice to the attractive carriage and horses, to take Cinders to the ball, was a goose-bump moment.

The staging of the Prince’s ball scene was very effective and the costumes again a delight. Entertainment was provided by Heaton and Hardman (Sounds like a good double act which it was) was a dance with balloons, rather silly, but appropriate and amusing. The traditional ghost scene with the two sisters, Hardup and Buttons singing ‘Ghostbusters’ brought the right reaction from the youngsters in the audience, who loved it.

Throughout, the company moved well including during ‘Wake me up before you Go Go’, all leading up to an impressive final scene. The music with sound levels were good with just one hitch quickly sorted and the costumes and make up were excellent. Continuity was spot on; again, with one small hitch but no marks lost for the manner in which it was handled panto style! This was an excellent evening’s entertainment which the audience loved. Congratulations to director Lottie Heels and all involved.

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