The CINDERELLA SHOW

What a delight to be able to attend a production from Stage 1, after a three year gap.  Stage 1 has always been a highlight for me, as the performers always show such enthusiasm, it is such a feel-good experience for the audience.

This production was fairly minimalistic with regard to lighting, sound and scenery, but as usual all the stops were pulled out in all these areas, but topped by the lovely costumes, all very colourful and top quality, accompanied by great hairdo’s and wigs – so good to see.  A shout out to the costume team.

No personal mics were used, and in most cases we could hear all the words.  Lighting enhanced the production, and good stage setting – the experience for both audience and cast was good throughout.

The cast delivered the script, including many age-suitable jokes with aplomb, well rehearsed, giving us a fun-filled show, with good musical numbers and choreography all of which pulls a show together.  So a very big well done to the production team generally.

Stage 1 has a team of willing helpers without whom the production would not be able to take place, for which we are all grateful

Now to the performers – all under the age of 13, which I found astounding, as there were a number of accomplished performances from this talented bunch. 

The show opened with a rousing chorus, and proceeded with the cast introducing their characters, which was good.  The cast were on stage for most of the performance, which meant they were involved the whole time, a good way of managing a small cast, where several people doubled up.

I must make a special mention for Rebekah Bateman who was a remarkable Prince Charming – Rebekah is profoundly deaf, but by application and the help of the team, turned in a great performance.  This young lady has a lovely face and she smiled all the way through, whilst maintaining the persona of a Prince, I was so impressed with her management of the role, she took it on, and did everything so well.

Angel Bayliss was a charming Buttons, this young lady always plays her roles well, and she got good interaction with the audience.  Very confident and assured for someone so young.  Well done.

Caitlyn Hackett was a calm but positive Cinderella – perhaps slightly more matter-of-fact than some Cinderella’s I’ve seen, which put a new slant on the character.  A good all round performance.

Isla Hackett played Ugly Sister Daffodil with great enthusiasm, and showed both good performance and singing skills, again impressive, bringing the fun element of her character to the forefront.

I also enjoyed Sienna Myhill’s performance as Ugly Sister Azalia, very self-assured and again she took the character and played it to the full.

Rebecca Ajayi, played the Fairy Godmother well, gaining confidence as the production advanced.  Rebecca is one of eight new members to the group.

I thought Jack Snell and Sophie Robinson formed an excellent partnership as the Baron and Baroness (also as the King and Queen), both projected extremely well, gave good portrayals, were secure and convincing, they also sang well.  I liked this partnership very much.

Briony Gannon-Webster and Rosie Scanlon played several smaller parts, including Lord and Lady Ramsbottom, with Briony also playing Dandini.  Both these youngsters appeared rather tentative in Act 1, but gained confidence in Act 2.

The final two cast members were Grace and Neve Yirrell as the Brokers Men, they showed a naturalness on stage, both showed assurance in what they did, I hope we’ll see more of them in future productions.

All in all I had a lovely evening, it always does my heart good to see young people taking steps in this hobby we all love, and showing improvement all the time. 

My thanks to all at Stage 1 for such a charming and amusing evening’s entertainment.

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