The Stage

Cinderella

Published Wednesday 28 December 2005 at 16:10 by Mary Redman

This pantomime is big, stretching wall to wall across the auditorium and boasting a 41-strong cast, including the junior chorus.

The directors use every inch of auditorium making us feel part of the show. Including coarse slappers the ugly sisters (James Miller and Stuart Simpson) fighting in the stalls.

Livewire principal boy Mel Guest convinces from the first. Singing a full-throated It’s Good To Be Home, she is in charge.

Lanky, chinless Dandini (Paul Turner) adds comedy touches while Martyn Odell as gawky Buttons and Martin Bedwell’s feelgood King of France complete the funny team. Samantha Churchill’s superbly dark Wicked Stepmother battles with Joanne Goddard’s cheerful fairy godmother.

Cinderella’s no faint hearted heroine either - Sophie Barker makes her unusually strong.

Choreographer Hayley Burns outdoes The Producers. Her Zimmer-framed grannies also use mobility scooters. Most of the time the production has a faded Victorian print look to it contrasting with the disco effect grand ball, thanks to designer Malvern Hostick’s effective designs. Singing bluebird and mouse puppets steal scenes as does uncredited young Thomas Brace taking to the role of Page with great stage presence.

Despite overamplification, the oodles of energy and pace, especially from MD Chris Redman in the pit, create an exciting, dramatic evening.