I have to admit to never seeing a pantomime quite like this one before. Not that that was a bad thing - on the contrary, it worked well for the team of talented actors and actresses performing 'Cinderella', at Northwich's Grange Theatre.
My previous brushes with this pantomime have seen a traditional female Fairy Godmother, and two (male) pantomime Dames in the form of the Ugly Sisters. Dandini has often been played by a female too (a Principal Boy). Here, things had been turned on their heads somewhat, and the Fairy Godmother was also the Dame, whilst the Ugly Sisters were a pair of uber-modern techno chics who had ugly characteristics not actually being physically ugly. However, this combination worked well for the company, and in all other respects, this was most definitely a traditional family pantomime.
The Grange Theatre is in the grounds of a secondary school on the outskirts of Northwich, and this being my first visit to the theatre, I was unsure of what to expect. The theatre is of medium size (approx 400 seats?), and a small, but extremely well-equipped stage with more lamps than you could throw a stick at: and all of them seemed to have been used for this production. The company spared no expense at creating a colourful and eye-catching spectacle. The lighting design was West-End worthy, whilst an array of colourful sets and cloths, as well as costumes kept us visually stimulated.
A couple of times the lighting cues were too late, meaning principals were left to act and sing in the dark for far too long; but that is a minor issue which can easily be rectified. I would also say that the sound levels were not balanced this afternoon either. There were a couple of times when the volume of the band overpowered the singing; and in one song, the first entrance and song of the Ugly Sisters (an upbeat modern popular song unknown to me), the volume of both performer and music was ear-piercingly loud and I was reduced to putting my fingers in my ears the entire song.
Rob Stevens was the Fairy Godmother (Dame with a magic wand!), and did actually span that odd bridge between the two differing roles with seeming ease. His balloon ballet routine with Buttons being an absolute show highlight! Hannah Ponting had just the right amount of twee and goodie-goodie, without being sickeningly sweet, and proved to be a good singer and actress too, giving an enjoyable performance. Grace Throne and Mollie Kate Angus were the Ugly Sister double-act, Insta and Gram. Ultra modern and badass sass were the order of the day for these two, who basically we all loved to hate. [Think Catherine Tate's "Am I Bovvered" with a bit more gutsy malevolence]. Aaron Carr portrayed Dandini, and was a very worthy foil and companion to Joshua Edwards's Prince Charming; whose light tenor voice was a delight. However it was Oliver Scott who truly made this pantomime as Buttons. Not stopping even for a second, he worked with the audience, had a lovely rapport with the rest of the cast, and was a truly engaging and characterful actor.
The cast was completed with 2 adult ensemble dancers (Amy Leek and Ellie Lewis), and a team of 9 children dancers (one assumes students at the school), and this afternoon it was the turn of Team 3. The ensemble work was good and added to the overall feel of the show greatly; there just wasn't enough of it. They did a couple of short routines in the first act and were mostly unused for the whole of the second. Shame, there should have been more for them to do.
I would also have preferred to have a few more "yes it is / no it isn'ts" in the show, and we certainly needed a "behind you" in the ghost scene. The children were shouting it out at the cast, but they were unfortunately ignored. Although this was a most unusual and never-before-seen take on the traditional routine. Fun.
All in all, this is a hugely successful and highly entertaining pantomime. All the cast were obviously enjoying themselves immensely, and that enjoyment was infectious. A good songsheet (Cinderella themed), some very funny jokes and set pieces, (with some for the adults too), modern and local references, and a great cinematic ending. Upbeat, sassy, and produced with skill and attention to detail.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 20.12.21
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