Cinderella

Published Wednesday 12 December 2007 at 15:10 by John Thaxter

After two non-vintage years, Richmond returns to glory with this lavishly staged, hugely enjoyable show.

Peter Denyer’s script cleverly combines Perrault’s fairy tale with traditional pantomime patter, plus white ponies for the transformation scene. Director Tudor Davies’ sole departure are his principal boys who are - well, boys - but none the worse for being played by George Wood and Simon Lipkin. 

This year’s Cinders is a terrific chanteuse, blonde Lucy Newton with a big smile and voice to match, stunning in her ball gown and tiara. Lynette McMorrough does sterling service as Fairy Godmother, but is upstaged by Su Douglas bringing a withering Mrs Danvers style to her glamorous Wicked Stepmother.

Star billing is Nigel Havers, who deftly carries the evening as a deliciously diffident Baron Hardup, appalled by his raucous stepdaughters Ian Good and John Barr, the Ugly Sisters.

Buttons is one of the finest speciality acts in the business. Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, a Royal Variety regular, proves a brilliant all-round entertainer with his cheeky little pal Sam, plus the gift of comedy charm for the singalong with kids on stage.

Not forgetting a lithe and talented chorus line who, at the ball, dance superbly in triple time to a Sondheim waltz.