The Stage

Cinderella

Published Friday 4 January 2008 at 17:30 by Jon Holliday

The emphasis throughout this Richard Tunley staging of the much-loved fairytale is on comedy and youthful audience participation.

As a laughter-raiser it succeeds admirably, but the essential romantic element is given rather perfunctory treatment. With such a delightful Cinders as Llinos Thomas, so spirited and full of girlish charm, much more could be made of her rags-to-riches and happy ever after story.

The versatile Mike Doyle is the stand out hit of the show as Buttons. A true all-rounder who sings powerfully, his rapport with his audience is immediate and direct, while handling the sentiment as effectively as the gags and bringing his own personal touch to time-honoured panto routines. His pretend transformation scene is both funny and touching, making the actual transformation finale to the first half all the more eye-pleasing.

Peter Brad-Leigh and Richard Tunley are as boisterous and abrasive oh-so-Ugly Sisters as one is ever likely to encounter - really broad, fast-talking horrors. Toni Caroll provides a sparky Fairy Godmother, with support from Anthony Moulton as the Prince, Lloyd Davies as Dandini and Phil Howe as the Baron.

The sprightly dancers from New Cottage Dance Centre perform well-drilled routines, with music for this seven-venue tour of Wales provided by Nigel Hart on keyboards and Ray Dizon on drums.