Cinderella

Colaton Raleigh Players
Cinderella
By Paul Reakes
Directed by Chrissy Brimacombe
Artistic Director: Michele Sandrs
Musical Director; Janet Evans
Colaton Raleigh Village Hall
Thursday 18th February 2026
‘Tricia Barclay
NODA SW Representative District 6
This was an inspired choice of script by the Director, for not only did it offer an
impressive range of roles for members to get their teeth into, but also an intriguing
twist on perhaps what can often be described as a rather “well worn” tale.
This was certainly a story with a difference!
To give a short re-cap, Prince Charming loses his memory on returning to the
Kingdom on the death of his father the King and is replaced by the “nice but dim”
nephew of the scheming Duke of Verruca. Buttons is dispatched to the dungeons
and is replaced by the Prince but manages to escape and thwart the Duke but as
expected all ends “happily ever after”!
All the usual traditional characters were on stage but in this case with some unusual
“extras” which very much added to the fun!
There were some great partnerships among the cast, made up in the main from the
more senior members of the group.
In the first half a delightful small troupe of juniors danced and sang enthusiastically,
opening the show with the Lonely Goatherd, and made adorable cats for the
transformation. There was a very well performed dance solo from the leading cat
giving time for a scene change and the Court Messenger with the invitations to the
Ball had excellent stage presence.
The Ugly Sisters, Mattie and Hattie made an instant impact on their first entrance
from the rear of the hall, interacting with the audience on their way to the stage. The
height difference between them worked exceptionally well and the line about Hattie
getting her clothes “flat packed” from Ikea was perfect!
The Duke of Verruca showed his scheming personality straight away, again
encouraging lots of audience participation and was very well attended by his
“bumbling” Heralds Nip and Tuck who were really on the side of the heroes!
Baroness Beaujolais was commandingly played and very much “in charge”, she
showed a decided deference to the Duke and was always keen to push the fortunes
of her daughters to the fore. Poor Baron Beaujolais was very much “under the
thumb” but still managed to have his moments! The role was endearingly played with
some very funny “asides” much enjoyed by the audience. His “sneaky” dance with
the maid, red rose between his teeth, was perfectly performed by them both.
The Fairy Godmother was played with a charmingly light touch, again interacting well
with the audience. Her shuffles across the stage disguised as the Old Crone were
great fun and her rendition of Popular very well received.
Roles had definitely been reversed!
Prince Charming was now dressed as Buttons, in the employ of the Baroness, poor
Buttons was incarcerated in the dungeons, and “Actually Archie, the Duke’s nephew
was impersonating the Prince!

Often seen in earlier pantos in the guise of “Silly Billy” , playing the Prince was an
ideal change for this performer who was exceptionally “charming”, falling
immediately in love with his “leading lady”. The two made an excellent couple both
were believable and their duets and solo numbers genuinely sung. Cinderella also
showed a compassionate and caring nature.
Frequently cast as the Principal Boy, Buttons made a simply splendid and different
character this time. Feisty, funny with a natural West Country “burr” and very much
the hero of the piece, it was a super performance and well supported by Kathy from
the chorus, very much his “partner in crime”.
The player in the role of Archie gave an impeccable performance as usual, not quite
so heavily disguised this time her expressions and movements were exactly right for
the character.
Of course, as to be expected Act I ended successfully with Cinders setting off to the
Ball in a splendid white coach.
There was an excellent start to Act II when Archie and the Heralds gave an hilarious
and frenetic spoof on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – who would ever forget the
pair of “yellow rubber gloves”!
Cinderella made an impressive entrance in a fabulous ball-gown, and the “Uglies”
wrestled over the Duke with a wonderful rendition of You’re the One that I Want.
The young Major Domo did an excellent job of announcing the arrivals.
Of course, when the clock struck midnight Cinders raced off and the action switched
back to her home and the “trying on of the slipper”.
This gave great opportunity for a chase scene around the house with everyone on
stage, and a cleverly designed cupboard for exits and entrances! The audience was
simply in fits when on occasion a hand appeared from backstage to close the
cupboard doors!
The second half too brought an extra character to the proceedings in the guise of
Urk the gaoler, who in a great wobbly costume, and spikey ginger wig, almost stole
the show, particularly when he took to “bashing” everyone, including audience
members, with his “blow-up” truncheon!
Buttons with the help of Kathy managed to trick Urk, who was actually quite clueless,
and escape back to the castle in order to save the day!
On occasion there were some prompts, but this always adds to the fun of panto! Oh
yes it does!
Lighting, in the hands of a new operator in the “box”, and sound effects were
smoothy executed and effective, and sterling support came from the MD on the
keyboard.
The sets and backdrops, particularly for the forest scene and the ballroom with a
stunning staircase giving the impression of a very grand entrance, were amazing.
There is not very much space on the village hall stage, and the backstage crew did
exceptionally well with all the many scene changes, and the cast with a myriad of
entrances and exits particularly in the chase scene.
Make – up was just right , with the Uglies being perfectly “over the top” , and
costumes throughout were colourful, eye-catching, just right for each individual
character, and the black/gold finale with splashes of red was stunning.
This was a refreshing and extremely well performed and presented production, and
all came together for a super, most enjoyable and very well received panto.
Much was achieved by all the cast and crew in this exceedingly small space -well
done!

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