Cinderella in Blunderland

Imagine the excitement for the young cast having an opportunity to take to the stage again. They had cancelled the initial show due to Covid after a few weeks rehearsal. Possibly for some this was their first panto, at last!

This original panto was written by the company and Ed Penny, a locally based screenwriter and dramatist. Sadly, along with Peter Weston, their amazing backcloths designer, they passed away before the company were able to put on the performances. In honour of their memory, the company were delighted to present the show.

Cinderella in Blunderland is a combination of Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. A meeting of characters from both which continues to include well known features from each one with a touch of Aladdin and his lamp to move the stories along. The genie (Kenwyn Kruzel) gave a confident portrayal.

There were several company dances instead of songs, all well rehearsed. Cinders (Tess Whomsley-Walker, sang beautifully sitting by the kitchen fire, supported by rabbits and squirrels. All other music was taped but it worked well.

Sam (Bronwyn Butler) and Ella (Charlotte Reece) take on the ugly sisters had the unenviable task of warming up the audience, in which they succeeded. Later on in the story they took other parts, especially Tweedledum and Tweedledee, which gave them scope for delighting in portraying different character presentation.

Max Wilson portrayed lots of characters throughout. He appeared to really enjoy this and I loved the ‘crash bang’ notices which he used very effectively. He was also the March Hare and the driver who delivered Cinders to the Ball in a truck.

Many of the characters had an opportunity to say “I can’t remember”. Was it a theme throughout or reminding me that these days it gets used a lot?

The poor Prince (Charlie Jones), who did a great courtship dance, played his part well but did not win Cinders for his wife. She much preferred White Rabbit who was played by Ellie Whomsley.-Walker. Her experience on stage really showed through, she was very lively and on occasions lifted the pace and mood. Witch Way (Krystal Rice) was also able to portray her part as the baddie

The link between lots of varied panto themes worked seamlessly, backcloths hand painted and the one showing us disappearing into Blunderland was very cleverly done.

Mad Hatter’s (Lexi Whomsley-Walker) party was very entertaining and gave many members of the cast a chance to play their own special character. Dormouse (Daisy Wilson) also played Droopy of the dwarfs. She appeared to be very young with a clear speaking voice. I expect to see her in forthcoming performances.

Wardrobe were able to use their plentiful supply of super costumes. The panto was supported by an imaginative technical team and well timed lighting changes and sound effects and well rehearsed choreography.

We enjoyed our visit to this fresh panto and look forward to your next venture.

 Well done to everyone, both on and off stage and Front of House.

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