Cinderella by Jack Davidson

This adaptation of a familiar story was the writing of Jack Davidson who tweaked characters and added a twist here and there – corny jokes still part of the script, plenty of audience join-in material and altogether a good fun experience.  Not only did he write the script he directed with the assistance of Sharon Pickles – her first experience on the other side of the stage.  And just to add to the task Jack played the pivotal role of a lovable Buttons.

The stage draped in blacks, maybe an economy cut but most effective was perfect for our individual imaginations. Set each side of stage were two pairs of magical trees – set design again created by Dinah Chamberlin and constructed by the regular stalwart team, supervised by SM Maurice Wilkins, with Deputy Mark Jeffery.  Simplicity was the key, with scenes changed by adding a hinged flat depicting a fireplace, red regal panels dropping in and a central double throne appeared, drapes and dressing table for the Sisters’ bedroom, large props including a giant pumpkin wheeled in a small truck turned into a golden carriage, injections of colour either side of stage and some clever lighting effects together with Cinder’s blue ballgown, fairy wands, a live walking comedy Christmas tree, all working admirably. Lee Hatcher adding to his admin. duties prepared the varied Props and produced an information packed A5 programme.

Completing the picture, the Technical side was controlled by Elly Hills, Rachel Croft-Golding, Max Chesters, and Damien Thorne aloft, with Penny Tobin again in charge of sound desk, including setting up of mics, balancing and creating wonderful intro housekeeping tapes by the younger members in addition to noises off, efficiently recorded and timed.  

Musically we were entertained by Ruth & Glyn Roberts, Jez Druce and Simon Tomlinson, with some good upbeat numbers ranging from Blues Brothers to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang songs, with the children’s ensemble working hard with lyrics and well-rehearsed movement, thoughtfully choreographed by Rachel and performed with confidence - some members making debut appearances.  

Sharon Pickles and Rita Wilkins produced fab costumes – bizarre and psychedelic for the two truly horrid ugly sisters Verruca and Gorgonzola aka Vicky King and Wendy Thomas, plus great hair and makeup designs created by Penny Tobin, as was each named character face design, with every member receiving a box of ingredients and template! Attention to detail all so important to create the enchantment. An Addams family lookalike monochromed Baroness Hardup, a colourful Baron, plus most regal King and Queen. The baddies to boo at – The Fairy Godfather - Mark Cheeseman, in black complete with wings, and accompanied by colourful punk hapless assistants – Michaela Tick and Sarah Hutchings. Booted learner spell maker Fairy Nuff, suave dashing Dandini and Prince Charming, a real dance enthusiast young Tinker waiting for his wings in jeans, bomber jacket and baseball cap.  Youngsters of the ensemble looked smart in company polo shirts, poor Cinders in housework garb and beautiful change into blue ballgown, perfect, and I loved the sparkling trainers for the slippers! Buttons delighted in blue tunic with traditional pillbox and  flashing shoes! A forgetful, northern rather zany sometimes rhyming Godmother sparkled, but I do think a clear winner of the costumes has to be the walking Christmas tree, namely Phil Mummery – brilliant.

A charming duet from Chloe Swann (Cinderella)  and her Prince (Phoebe Harris), first-class ‘Little People’ and ‘Naughty’ from cheeky Tinker – Jacob Santer and the children, comedy from Annie Hatcher as Godmother particularly with ‘Whatever Happened to My Part’ assisted by spiky Fairy Nuff delightfully played by Caitlin Mathieson, not forgetting a profusion of Panto Pixies and other cameo parts.  In the short period of time this large company, not all of you named, not forgetting the unseen troupers, delighted the audience, with a happily ever after finale.

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