IN their own originally-scripted version of Cinderella, SPOTS provided a traditional yet updated pantomime, encouraging the maximum amount of audience participation and complete with “fun, frolicks and a load of old jokes!”

Despite some delightful young cast members, this was more of an adult pantomime – and enormous fun! Phil Howard (Haemorrhoid Hardup) and Rikki Mark (Hernia Hardup) were the butchest, bawdiest “beautiful” Ugly Sisters and totally hilarious. Sarah Mills (Cinderella) and Jennifer Bradley (Stepmother) were also excellent while Brian Bevis’ Mister Meaner thoroughly deserved all his boos and hisses as the villain and Fiona Howard’s transition from Fairy Goth-Mother to sparkly fairy was delightful.

With boldly painted story-book scenery, atmospheric lighting, haunting effects and great direction (the rewrite of Bohemian Rhapsody was inspired!), this example of community theatre was a real treat – especially when upstaged by saxophone-playing squirrels!