Cinderella

Published Tuesday 13 December 2005 at 13:05 by Lisa Whitbread

The Marlowe has gone glittery this year with some beautiful sets and costumes adding to the warm Christmas feel.

Claire Huckle as Cinderella is positively confident and smiles sweetly throughout. Scenes with Aussie Ryan Moloney as Buttons, representing the Neighbours camp, are convincingly endearing and the two gel well together. Moloney has excellent comic timing and self-assured vocals. His natural ability to improvise puts him above those who often fail to adapt to pantomime.

Another welcome visitor is Three Degrees star Sheila Ferguson as the Fairy Godmother. Thanks to powerful vocals combined with some great characterisation, Ferguson captures the role as fun and friendly protector to Cinderella.

Jack Edwards and Canterbury stalwart Phil Holden take on the Ugly Sisters with great enthusiasm and hilarious backbiting. They play on their physicality as well as the scripted gags and make for a well cast pairing.

Local legend Dave Lee returns with a special announcement - the ghost bench gag has reached its tenth birthday. Cue the waving of flags and a standing ovation that goes to show Lee’s popularity in Marlowe pantomimes.

Andy Scott-Lee plays Prince Charming and looks very much the part. His royal is a little reserved but vocally there is good use of his range and style. Patrick O’Connor performs well as Baron Hardup and there are filmed sequences with Liza Goddard as Fairy Superior.

Musical director Chris Wong makes a surprising appearance and there are original touches from writer and director Paul Hendy. Good to see a strong ensemble again and the supporting villagers, servants and ghosts add to a very successful show.