Cinderella

 

As we all know, pantomime season brings a flurry of productions to theatres everywhere, but it was a treat to attend one that played to a packed house and featured an impressive ensemble of 30 young performers gracing the stage.

The show began with the Fairy Godmother, portrayed by Susie Rowley, introducing the story. She ensured that everyone in the audience was well aware of what was about to unfold. During her introduction, we also met Cinderella’s wicked stepmother, Baroness Vindicta. True to expectation, she was deliciously evil and relished being hissed and booed by the audience. Jess Dickinson inhabited the role with gusto, perfectly capturing the character’s malevolence.

As the story continued, we were introduced to Cinderella herself. Liv Lamb brought charm and sweetness to the role, embodying all the qualities we associate with this beloved character: she was beautiful, kind, and had a lovely singing voice, instantly winning the audience’s affection.

Of course, no Cinderella would be complete without Buttons, the loyal friend vying for her attention. Paul Tattersfield played Buttons with boundless energy and comedic flair, quickly forging a warm rapport with the audience. His interactions with the crowd set a jovial tone for the evening.

The appearance of Baron Hardup, Cinderella’s father, followed. Having just returned from an overseas voyage, he was played with warmth and friendliness by Scott Colliar-Grint. He was the quintessential caring father figure, although his unfortunate decision to marry Baroness Vindicta brought further trouble into Cinderella’s life. The anticipation of meeting the Baroness’s two daughters was palpable.

The action moved to the woods, where the full chorus delivered an excellent singing and dancing sequence. A hunt was underway, chasing some small woodland creatures. Among the hunters were Prince Charming and his manservant Dandini, both striking in their riding attire. Katie Bradshaw and Eliza Keane portrayed their respective characters superbly; Katie’s performance as the thigh-slapping principal boy, coupled with her beautiful singing, quickly won over the audience. Eliza Keane also charmed the crowd, particularly when the two swapped roles and she became Prince Charming.

In the woods, Cinderella encountered an old lady collecting firewood. Demonstrating her kindness, Cinders offered the twigs she had gathered. Unbeknownst to her, the old lady was actually the Fairy Godmother in disguise. Cinderella also met Prince Charming, who was masquerading as Dandini at the time. Their meeting led to a beautiful duet and the blossoming of their love, but they were soon parted, prompting the Prince to organise a grand ball in hopes of finding her again.

Invitations were sent out for the ball, including one for Cinderella. Enter Baroness Vindicta’s daughters, Danni and Fanni Hardup, played with comedic brilliance by Dan Pape and Thomas Carruthers. Their outrageous costumes matched their hilarious performances, which grew more entertaining with every scene. The sisters were determined to prevent Cinderella from attending the ball, forcing her to tear up her invitation and destroy her dress, leaving her heartbroken.

As Cinderella wept, the old lady returned, revealed herself as the Fairy Godmother, and with a wave of her wand, presented Cinderella with a beautiful new dress and a sparkling carriage with footmen, sending her off to the ball in style.

Cinderella’s magical evening at the ball was cut short, and she fled, leaving behind a single glass slipper. Prince Charming, determined to find his mysterious love, decreed that every woman in the village would try on the slipper, and the one it fit would become his bride. A hilarious scene ensued as Danni and Fanni tried everything to squeeze into the slipper, but to no avail. At last, the slipper fit Cinderella, and she and the Prince were joyfully reunited, living happily ever after.

This panto had all the makings of a good panto, complete with all the , traditional things, such as the song sheet and a brilliant Twelve Days of Christmas.

The production team of Gillian Shelton, Malcolm Trigg, Joel Griffin, Liv Lamb, Katie Bradshaw and Eliza Keane should all be very proud of themselves with the end product, and quite rightly so.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

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