Cinderella

The origins of British Pantomime, or "Panto", date back to the middle ages, but has constantly been adapted to survive up to the present day.  Pantomime, as we know it today is a show predominantly aimed at children, based on a popular fairy tale or folk legend. The most popular subjects being: "Aladdin", "Dick Whittington", "Snow White" and of course "Cinderella", which was this year’s offering from LMCS.  There was much to applaud about this show. The scenery was clever, the costumes were colourful and eye-catching, the lighting and special effects worked well and the back-stage crew ensured scene-changes were affected smoothly and efficiently throughout.. Adapted by Simon Sladen, the script had plenty of light-hearted comedy, some very well-chosen songs, snappy routines and excellent dancing by the chorus. The 5 piece band accompanied well and added greatly to the fun and there were no weak links whatsoever among the principal characters.  This was a production where the younger element showed their talents and starred amongst the regulars. Georgina Combes at the young age of 18 gave an excellent first lead role as Cinderella.  She looked lovely, her acting was secure and her singing a pleasure to hear. Add to this a delightful Buttons, Alexei Hawkey also aged 18 and a highly amusing Fairy Godmother, Justine Richardson. Two beastly sisters superbly played by John Carroll and Jonathon Groves and Step-Mother performed by Michelle Shepherd-Ede, who was an even more unpleasant character, performed to perfection completing the baddies of this show who all made life quite miserable for Cinderella. They became even more horrid and demanding when they learned of the Prince and Dandini's intention to give a ball and Paul Taylor as her father the Baron who tried very hard to be pleasant and kind was simply too weak to stand up to his unpleasant new family. Add to this a dashing Prince (Craig Etherington) with an excellent singing voice, his very excentric parents (Ruth and Mark Roberts)  and an equally talented Dandini (Georgina Hoole well supported by the other principals, an enthusiastic chorus of both adults and children and you have all the requirements for a memorable show.   But of course, all turned out well in the end and along the way we were treated to some super numbers sung and danced beautifully by the chorus and dancers, who were dressed in the most gorgeous costumes with a really magical transformation scene thanks to the magic of Fairy Godmother who with the wave of her ‘wand’ changed Cinders into the Bell-of-the-Ball wearing a fabulous dress.

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