Buttons, with Lewis Devine, is a well-loved regular in the pantos and bounds onto the stage with endless energy and
immediately forms a bond with everyone by encouraging shouts of his catchphrase
when he appears. His best friend and love interest is Cinderella, the
downtrodden stepsister of the cruel Borisina and Trussiana Hardup (see what
they did there?) Coronation Street star Kimberley Hart-Simpson makes a
wonderful and beautiful Cinders and tries her best to please her ugly stepsisters
to no avail who cruelly taunt her and set her tasks about the home. Whilst out
gathering wood in the forest she is approached by an old lady and is happy to
hand over her gathered bundle to her. Her kindness will be rewarded later.
Meanwhile the Prince Charming is wandering the forest with his man servant
Dandini and chats about wishing to find a bride without her knowing he was a
Prince. They decide to swap identities and the Prince hands Dandini the royal
sash to wear. When they come across Cinderella the Prince is completely smitten
by Cinderella's beauty and instantly falls in love with her. Believing she is
talking to Dandini she too is captivated by the Prince. Later the Prince
realises he does not know her name or where she lives so holds a ball inviting
all his kingdom in the hope to find her again. Jon Courtney, a former Britain's
Got Talent contestant who was awarded the golden buzzer and went on to win the
show in 2020, is Dandini, and plays his part so well and his talents are aired in
the panto. The Prince, performed by Joe Sleight is fittingly charming and
another great character.
No panto is complete without a Dame
and Cinderella offers the opportunity to have two, Borisina and Trussiana
played by Richard Aucott and Kristopher Bosch respectively. The costumes they
wear are fabulous and outrageous and Aucott actually designs and makes many of
his own costumes. This is one time when to be booed on stage is a sign of
success and this evil duo certainly deserved them!
Invites to the ball are sent out and
delivered by the postman, 14 year old Jamie Leahey, a brilliant young performer
with many achievements and another Britains Got Talent contestant who was
runner-up with his ventriloquism act starring 'Chucky'. [Check which performances
he will be appearing in.] Fearing the Prince may favour Cinderella over them the
ugly stepsisters cruelly force Cinders to tear up her invite to the ball and
rip the gown she was going to wear from her, leaving her heartbroken. But lo
and behold, all is not lost and the old lady from the wood reveals herself as
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and in the most amazing scenes you are ever likely
to see during a panto Cinderella is transformed and her transport to the ball
is not to be missed! Rachael Wood as the godmother is a talented singer as well
as performer and perfect for her role.
Throughout the show there are many
songs performed and I was happy to hear many older songs being used under the
musical direction of Callum Clarke. Choreographed by Nazene Langfield each and
every one of the dancers from seniors to the juvenile dancers (Dance Dynamix)
accomplish their dance routines faultlessly.
What can I say about costumes? Oh my
goodness Regal Entertainments Ltd have certainly plenty to be proud of, they
are absolutely magnificent and in my opinion far better than I've seen in any
larger scale productions anywhere. Simply stunning.
Sound, lighting, scenery, again all
expertly delivered and a very important part of the show.
So in summary, what can you expect at
this year's production and who is the star of the show? There are puns and
innuendoes galore as loved and expected, song and dance throughout, the most
hilarious scenes whether intended or not, perfect comedic timing, a showcase
for new talents, audience participation with young golden ticket winners appearing
on stage alongside Buttons. Watch out for the classic Twelve Days Of Christmas
with a performance you'll never forget.
As for the star of the show? There
isn't one.....oh yes there is, oh no there's not! There's just a whole
cast! Gives that feelgood Christmassy
feeling and if you only make one outing to a show this Christmas make it
Cinderella at the Theatre Royal St Helens, it's not to be missed and you will
not be disappointed. Running until 8th January 2023 book now for a guaranteed
enjoyable time with plenty of laughs and surprises.
Reviewer - Lorna Weekes
on - 7.12.22
No comments:
Post a Comment