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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Cinderella
Sutton Town Hall
**** Cinderella is one of the strongest of
pantomimes, and RWP have assembled a strong team to deliver it. A big turn- out for the opening night augured
well, and from the opening curtain, the cast threw themselves into the
evening’s performance with gusto. Frances Richmond is the musical
director, and her substantial experience is vital for this big budget
production. Andy James Michel is billed as writer director,
and his skills are tested to the full as he also plays Coco, one of the
ugly stepsisters, opposite Jamie Jones (Chanel). These two are the
beating heart of the show, outrageous, garish and very funny. Although
ostensibly the baddies, they also win the affections of everyone with
their energetic performance. This is a traditional telling, and one to which
parents can take their children with confidence. Adults will enjoy the
odd double entendre but the target audience, the youngsters, are the
ones whose needs are met. Cast members fall over, hapless courtiers are
pursued through the audience by desperate man-hunting women, and silly
songs are sung. Not that proceedings ever sink into cliché and
smug self-satisfaction. Cinderella, compellingly played by the lovely
Katy Gaskin, opens singing a Boo Radley’s number, a fitting showcase for
her unusually strong voice, and that off-beat confidence characterises
her reading of the role. She gently lets down Buttons , Niko Adilypour,
who bears a strong resemblance to Joe Pasquale in appearance and manner,
in his love for her. Although Buttons doesn’t get the girl, he does win
over the audience from the start, and delights whenever he appears. Prince Charming doesn’t have to do much other
than look handsome and search for Cinders, Daniel Roberts does both
well, and is a good foil for Brad Walwyn’s more flamboyant Dandini. who
avoids women, and pursues the owner of the famous glass slipper, with
equal determination and brio. No Cinderella is complete without a fairy
godmather. Maura Judges is the perfect antidote to the brash ugly
sisters, her presence and rhyme, reassuring and fine. Technically, Cinderella delivers, and is
particularly well-costumed, but the acid test of any panto remains; “Is
it funny?” The answer is an emphatic yes. The children laughed
enthusiastically, as did the adults, and the story unfolded at a brisk
pace, no scene ever outstaying its welcome. Local references and jokes
abound with something for Four Oaks residents and Crazy Purple residents
alike! Cinderella runs to Sunday 20th December including a number of
matinees. Gary Longden
16-12-15 |
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