Cinderella

Sidbury Into Drama
Cinderella
Written & directed by Katharine Ward
Production Manager/Costumes: Tracey Stone
Choreography: Ebony Bartlett
Backdrops: Liz Vonberg
Sidbury Village Hall
Saturday 28th February 2026
‘Tricia Barclay
NODA SW Representative District 6
Despite road closures, diversions, flooding and potholes Sidbury Into Drama still had

good audiences for their pantomime in the Village Hall. This version of the ever-
popular Cinderella was cleverly written and directed by Katharine Ward, a local

member of the group. The action while following the usual tale had different twists,
unexpected turns, and a very modern touch.
After an amusing “front of house” announcement a beautifully dressed Fairy
Godmother, warmly played by Chris Shepherd, introduced the main characters as
they skipped across an inset in the centre of the stage.
All was in rhyme, and it was quickly highlighted that although looking for love
“Tinders” was no good for Cinders!
The first number Happiness in the market square, featured the ladies of the Chorus
and Dandini, an impressive performance from Emma,, and set the scene for
the action to follow. There was a particularly fun moment with some strategically
placed “cherry bakewells” causing much mirth around the hall!
Vicky was most engaging as Buttons, with very shinny shoes, and a super
tailcoat costume. She got the audience on side straight away with the Red Button
DSL “don’t press the button Buttons” and had fun explaining why her name wasn’t
Velcro! Her entrance on a very small tricycle to the strains of Daisy Daisy worked
very well, and local references to no “road closures” or “flooding” and the No 9 bus
being on time were very well received!
As the Ugly Sisters, Hanky and Panky, Dave and Ian  played it
exactly right, definitely “blokes in frocks”, singling out poor Phil at the end of a row to
tease along the way – great stuff! They had a lovely line in response to the invitation
to the Ball – “We love Balls”!
Tracey as their mother Belladonna, in a great wig and gown, was perfect as
the conniving villainess of the piece, encouraging plenty of “boos”, and as usual with
this performer her expressions said it all!
Poor Andy Tplaying Baron Hardup didn’t really stand a chance and was most
certainly “under the thumb” but did very well doubling up as his German cousin
Count Welloff aided by his little dictionary! An excellently performed contrast.
The two made for a great partnership.
Ebony played a very aristocratic and rather superior Prince Charming, also
putting together the excellent choreography. The blue velvet coats for the Prince and
Dandini were just right when they swopped roles in the forest and there was a great
scene with Dandini “disguised” as a tree in an ingenious costume.
There was super rendition of “The One That I Want” with the Prince, Dandini and the
chorus with a deightful horse peeping out from USR.

Esther made a perfect partner for the Prince as Cinderella; she sang
beautifully and the “on the spot” transformation from rags to an exquisite ball-gown
was truly magical!
There were plenty of local references much to the delight of the audience.
The ballroom scene was stunning with the ladies of the chorus in gorgeous gowns
and headdresses. They were cleverly introduced as local dignitaries, with a play on
local place names, which again went down well with the audience. Lady Honeyton
was a bit over the hill, and there was also Sir Slime Regis and Doddery St Mary!
Gwenan and Michele were great fun as Builders Sid Berry and Sid
Ford but missed their cousin Sid Mouth! They certainly made a bodged job with the
wallpaper!
John waffled on living up to his name as Sir Wilfred Waffling, again in a great
costume.
Ashleigh made an energetic body coach, putting the Uglies through their
paces.
The chorus ladies were all delightful managing to highlight their individual
personalities. The youngsters made adorable animals, particularly as the baby mice,
and the traditional ghost scene was effectively performed, again with great
costumes, to the tune of Ghostbusters.
Costumes as mentioned were simply fabulous and just right for each character, and
all the backdrops, painted by Liz, were stunning throughout setting the
various scenes perfectly.
An unexpected touch but spot on topically, was the “Baddie”, creepy Gloria played by
Diana, in the perfect guise of Claudia Winkleman, complete with the hair
and “orange glow”, with her bevy of Traitors. It simply brought the house down!
This was refreshing take on a traditional tale excellently performed by a close-knit
cast ably supported by the back-stage crew efficiently managing the many scene
changes, and the technical team on lighting and sound, all giving the feel of a real
company production.
This was a very well received show, was great fun and made for a really super
panto. Well done!

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