The problem with pantomimes is it can be hard to make your production stand out from the ever expanding crowd, but Qdos Entertainment have this year hit upon an instant success with Cinderella.
Stunning sets, a dramatic opening scene, faultless costumes and a high profile cast has the audience gripped from the word go.
But while it features all the obligatory panto trademarks - including dames, horses and audience participation - Birmingham’s Hippodrome has something no other theatre does this panto season. Brian Conley.
Now in his fifth panto appearance at the venue he has honed his skill so closely he is hard to fault.
With just the right amount of slapstick and a soundtrack featuring songs by the likes of Lady Gaga and The Black Eyed Peas, Conley and director/producer Michael Harrison have succeeded in bringing this humble festive tradition bounding into the 21st century.
Hitting upon the success of TV talent shows such as X Factor, Qdos has pitched this production perfectly and the addition of actress Lynda Bellingham only helps to add further weight to this panto’s punch.
Vocal performances are sometimes weak but this goes unnoticed thanks to a fast-paced story, a string of on-stage surprises and the sound of genuine laughter.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Content is copyright © 2012 The Stage Media Company Limited unless otherwise stated.
All RSS feeds are published for personal, non-commercial use. (What’s RSS?)
