As all of the news articles suggest, veteran entertainer and comedian James Holmes has once again returned to Buxton Opera House, since being here recently with Eastendless, to reprise his usual role, as Dame, in the theatre’s annual pantomime; this year, Cinderella (by Philip Dart), where he is playing ugly Northern stepsister, Ivana. He is, as far as having the most laughs, likeability and chemistry with the audience, in my view, the star of the show and a brilliant performer, playing alongside fellow Stepsister, Melania (Jamie Barwood).
Cinders’ best friend and butler, Buttons, is second but sadly some of his gags did get lost - nothing to do with his, initially surprisingly cast native Glaswegian dialect, which we warmed to. Played by looker Ross Barbour, who recently graduated from Italia Conti Academy, with great cheeky charm and charisma, it is surprising to discover that it is his debut of the genre. His evident passion for comedy and fun is contagious and very welcome - none more so than during the variety decorating sketch, originally between Sir Bruce Forsyth and Norman Wisdom - not to mention his energy and stamina. The show’s namesake, played by Shannon Flynn, hoped (according to the show’s programme) to have “loads of fun” but, it appears, she had the smallest part (not utilising her CBBC presenting background). Nonetheless, her triple-threat talents were used effectively throughout.
Anyway, to start at the beginning...we are welcomed by the usual sparkly curtain, before we meet the Strictly-obsessed Fairy Godmother (Emily Juler) who, with a look of Aardman studios’ Wallace and Gromit character with the hair of Frenchie from Grease, acts as narrator - sometimes with the briefest of entrance and lines. Her Strictly references do fit in with the theme of the plot and her dancing skills are great. Her happiness, too, is infectious. She later takes a shine to Cinderella’s father, Baron Hardup (the seasoned Alasdair Baker), whilst at the Palace/Pavilion Dance Contest, called to find the secret girl who the Prince (extensive-careered Ryan Bennett, who has a look of Eastenders (and stage) actor John Partridge) danced with in the Palace (modelled on the Pavilion) Gardens - to the upbeat song ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ by ‘Armin van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie.. Upon failing to get the girl’s name, he is determined to find her and invites every girl in the town to the Dance Competition, facilitated by Miss Trotwell (Urdang Academy graduate Hannah Shackell).
Ably accompanied by his handsome man-servant Dandini (Bird College graduate Connor Hignell), they tour the town of Stoneybroke to seek out the owner of the slipper that was apparently left at the dance competition and magically made its way into his possession. They find the owner and they all live happily every after.
With well-executed choreography (by Tracey Illiffe), the dancers from various training schools and academies completed this spectacle to music provided by the live band (Daniel Looseley on keys and Greg Pringle on percussion), under the leadership of Adam Gerber. With such songs as 'Owl City' & Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘(It’s Always A) Good Time’, Michael Bublé’s ‘I Just Haven’t Met You Yet’, Taylor Swift’s (You’ll Never Find Another Like) ME!, Bruno Mars’ ‘You Can Count On Me’, Justin Bieber’s ‘Despasito’ and Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Someone You Loved’ and the occasional pantomime addition of musical theatre songs: ‘You Will Be Found’ from Dear Evan Hansen to close the first half, the tango ‘Hernando's Hideaway’ from The Pajama Game and ‘The Nicest Kids In Town’ from Hairspray, as well as a finale medley of Christmas songs.
With the spooky scene and songsheet completing the full-house on the panto checklist, this show is brilliant and my criticisms are minor and do not really detract from the enjoyment of it overall (apart from maybe the obvious difference in tights and tan shoes of one single dancer at the start - was she Becky?).
Nonetheless, if you are in the North West, make a point to go and see this pantomime this year.
Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 14/12/19
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