Cinderella

St Ambrose Players have been producing Pantomimes since 1982 and this tradition has been followed again this year, playing to near capacity audiences.

Cinderella is one of the most popular Pantomimes and this year John Hutchinson has not only directed but has also written the script. This was John’s debut as Director and he has worked tirelessly to produce a very entertaining production. He and his team have worked together unwaveringly to achieve the high standard expected by this company.

Staging was equal to any professional Pantomime incorporating a new system installed to enable scene changes to be completed even faster than usual. A great innovation, which can be used in all future productions.

The Director will be the first to credit the work by other members of his team. Props, sound and lighting together with backstage crew and a splendid wardrobe department ensured the success of this production.

Judith Oakes, Musical Director and her trio provided music of a very high standard and were very sensitive to the vocal performances on stage.

Hannah Heaton, Cinderella and Harriet Yale, Prince Charming were well matched and impressed with their vocal harmonies. At times they could have projected more or used some form of a amplification although I feel this should not be necessary in this venue. The Ugly Sisters, David White, Listeria and Matt Clark, Salmonella worked well together, bouncing off each other and looking like they were enjoying the repartee. Nathan Benson as Buttons had a great rapport with the audience, young and not so young and had perfected a splendid characterization. He must have been exhausted by the end of the run?

There were two very good cameo roles by Siobhan Edge as the wicked Step Mother and Tim Braddy as The Herald. Tim showed  his excellent comic timing, making the most of his every appearance.

I enjoyed the introduction of a Camel who inadvertently arrived from Aladdin.

With any Pantomime, success can be judged by the audience reaction. Prolonged applause at the end said it all. Congratulations to all concerned and thank you for making my wife and myself so welcome.

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