Cinderella

This was my first visit to see a Buxton Drama League pantomime, and I’m delighted to say it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment we settled into our seats, the atmosphere in the theatre shifted. The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and within seconds we were whisked away into the colourful, chaotic, and utterly charming world of pantomime and more specifically, into the timeless story of Cinderella. There’s something uniquely magical about a community pantomime, and this production captured that magic with confidence, humour, and a genuine sense of joy.

One of the first things that struck me was how well‑drilled the entire cast was. Every performer, from the principal roles to the youngest ensemble member, demonstrated a clear understanding of their cues, choreography, and character. Even when the occasional flicker of nerves caused a brief pause or hesitation, however, it never detracted from the overall production. In fact, those tiny moments only added to the authenticity and charm of the performance. What mattered most was that the cast worked together seamlessly, supporting one another and maintaining the energy of the show throughout.

The staging was thoughtfully designed and entirely appropriate for the pantomime style. Each scene change was smooth, and the set pieces complemented the story without overwhelming it. The visual world created on stage helped to anchor the audience in Cinderella’s journey, from the warmth of Buttons’ companionship to the chaos brought by the Ugly Sisters. The staging worked hand‑in‑hand with the cast’s performances, allowing the story to unfold with clarity and vibrancy.

Speaking of Buttons, the role was brought to life by the very talented Faye Turtle, whose energy was infectious from the moment she stepped on stage. Buttons is a character who needs warmth, humour, and a strong connection with the audience, and Faye delivered all of that with ease. Her articulation was clear, her pacing was spot‑on, and she navigated the comedic and heartfelt moments with equal skill. It’s no exaggeration to say that she anchored the show, providing a consistent thread of enthusiasm and charm that carried the audience along.

The opening number, “I’ve Got a Feeling,” set the tone beautifully. It was upbeat, confident, and performed with a sense of collective excitement that immediately drew the audience in. It’s always a good sign when the first song lands well, and this one certainly did, it created the sense that we were in for a lively, feel‑good evening.

One of the standout musical moments of the night was “A Million Dreams,” performed by Cinderella and Buttons, played by Isabella Cox and Faye Turtle. Their harmonies blended beautifully, and the emotional sincerity of the performance was genuinely touching. It’s a song that requires both vocal control and heartfelt delivery, and both performers rose to the challenge. The audience was clearly moved, and it became one of the most memorable highlights of the show.

Prince Charming, played by Charlie Wallis, and Dandini, played by Will Clay, formed a delightful duo whose on‑stage chemistry was evident from their first entrance. Their comedic timing was sharp, and they played off one another with confidence and ease. The audience responded warmly to their banter, and their strong projection and pacing ensured that every joke landed exactly where it should. They brought a sense of fun and lightness to the production, and their scenes were consistently engaging.

Of course, no production of Cinderella would be complete without the iconic Ugly Sisters, and this show delivered a truly memorable pair. Listeria, played by Laura Bowers, and Scarlotta, played by Peter Stubbington, were an absolute comedic triumph. Their costumes were bold, colourful, and wonderfully over‑the‑top exactly what you want from pantomime villains. Their interactions with both the cast and the audience were hilarious, and they struck the perfect balance between outrageous humour and genuine stage presence. Every time they appeared, the audience leaned in, ready for whatever chaos they were about to unleash. Their ability to engage the crowd made them a highlight of the evening.

Rubella, the not‑so‑nice mother figure played by Sally Shaw, brought a different flavour of villainy to the stage. She played the role with conviction, leaning into the character’s unpleasantness without ever losing the pantomime spirit. Her performance added depth to the story’s conflict, and she handled her scenes with confidence and flair.

The costumes, designed by Josien Woolmer and Sally Shaw, were another standout element of the production. Each costume felt thoughtfully crafted, visually appealing, and perfectly suited to the character wearing it. From the elegance of Cinderella to the flamboyance of the Ugly Sisters, the wardrobe choices enhanced the storytelling and added a layer of visual delight to the performance. One moment that absolutely deserves special mention is Cinderella’s transformation from rags to ballgown. The transition was handled with real theatrical flair quick, seamless, and genuinely enchanting.

The live band, musically directed by Harry Wibberley, provided strong support throughout the show. Their accompaniment was well‑balanced, never overpowering the vocals but always enhancing the emotional and comedic beats of each scene. The live music added richness to this pantomime which this band delivered with professionalism and enthusiasm.

The ensemble deserves special praise as well. Their commitment, energy, and teamwork were evident in every group number. Ensemble work can often be overlooked, but in this production, they played a vital role in creating the world of the story and maintaining the show’s momentum.

Overall, this Buxton Drama League pantomime was a joyful, polished, and thoroughly entertaining production. Thank you for your kind invitation, Buxton Drama League, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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