The Stage

Cinderella

Published Monday 14 December 2009 at 13:35 by Anne Broom

In a story-book presentation with glittering effects, bold costumes and a strong ensemble, this company presents traditional family pantomime to ensure a magical experience for young and old. As Vivienne McMaster’s Fairy Godmother recounts the old tale in rhyme, a spirited hunting scene creates pace and empathy, as the central characters are introduced. Mark Reeves’ Buttons immediately ensures noisy audience participation with his catchwords and lively personality. Jacquelyn Kent is a dream Cinderella, pretty and personable with a dancer’s grace and a lovely voice. Duncan Wigman’s Prince Charming is an excellent match, a versatile performer with a fine voice. With over a dozen flamboyant outfits, some extraordinary footwear and their comedy expertise, Antony Stuart-Hicks and David Phipps-Davis’s gruesome twosome, the really horrid Daffodil and Tulip, almost steal the show. In this fast-moving quality pantomime a fine junior company choreographed by Vivienne McMaster is integral to the action, and energetically involved as villagers, courtiers and animal spirits. And with the kitchen’s refrigerator and cooking pots filled with singing and dancing mice, kind-hearted Cinderella has lots of friends. There’s magic from popular juggler and escapologist Merlin Cadogan, an enchanting transformation scene and snowflakes fall on a sparkling up-beat finale.