CINDERS - The True Story

What a delight to see Redbourn back on stage again, and with a real full-on incredibly funny pantomime.  Right from the start the audience were onside and enthusiastic and a rousing opening number, set the scene for a great show.

Scenery was basic, but allowed the cast to make the most of the stage, and meant there were no long scene changes. 

Lighting was very good from new lighting technician Rik Fox, including the use of projections before the start, which accompanied an overture from keyboard player Paul Vernon - great to have live music, which really lifted the piece and the performers.  Enthusiasm abounded the whole evening.  It was good to see that songs were kept short and snappy, with in some cases some very nice harmonies.

I loved the costumes, some were hired, some were Society led, but they all looked good and tied in well with the feel of the production. 

Trevor Oakes was an utterly inappropriate Hairy Godmother, and I mean that in the nicest way!  His experience shone through, the audience were on his side from the first sentence; he made the most of a super part, his costume was very innovative.  Very well done.

Becky Vernon-Clinch played a lovely Cinderella, plenty of attitude, but a softer edge where required.  Good attention to detail and nicely sung, interacting well with Buttons and the audience.  Becky always brings a believability to any part she plays.

Dotty and Potty the Ugly Sisters, were played with maximum effect by Andy Turner and Jonathan Goodson.  A good pairing, they bounced off each well, and were suitably loud and brash.  Well done for entering into all the elements of panto.

Prince Charming (Andrea Clare) was suitably regal, she looked the part and I enjoyed her solo very much, also her duet with Cinderella.  There was good interaction with the cast and also Dandini, who was played in her own inimitable style by Benita Gilliam, she always manages to make a part her own, excellently played.

Baron and Baroness Hardup were a very good pairing, Clive Crowther was definitely downtrodden, completely ruled by his overbearing wife, played to the hilt by Hilary Violentano.  As a couple they reacted well to each other, but also had their stand alone moments.

And so to Buttons (David Howell) – a great part played so well – the longstanding joke of the very slow long distance runner was an excellent scenario, creating additional fun, and showing a different side to David.

A shout out to Euan Howell who took on the small but important role of the front end of the cow at less than 24 hours notice.

The ensemble, made up of ladies (Ann Mundye, Pauline Wills and Danielle Inglis) and young people (Rosie and Jessica Willis, Maggie Cook-Smith, Hollie Orchard, Darcy Gibbs, Harry Smith and Sam Couch) all performed well, sung and acted with enthusiasm, lots of smiles too.  Danielle was a good MC for the Ball, and Sam was a very cheeky chappy, very expressive!

I thought the Finale was particularly well-managed and staged, bringing a super show to a very upbeat end.

Well done to everyone involved, I had a great evening. 

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