REVIEW: Cinderella

Theatre Royal Winchester

PANTOMIME, as defined by Wikipedia, is “a type of musical comedy, designed for family entertainment” including “songs, slapstick comedy and dancing, gender-crossing actors, and combining topical humour with a story loosely based on a well-known fairy tale. It is a participatory form of theatre.” The cast, under the skilful direction, delivered by James Barry (who also wrote the panto) delivered every element that our helpful internet encyclopaedia deems necessary.

The script and songs delivered a traditional story enhanced with contemporary ideas, staging and songs to entertain, and of course, there was something for everyone. The more risqué jokes sailed over the heads of the younger audience members, who enjoyed the slapstick, magic and glitter, not to mention two miniature (and very well behaved) ponies!

The cast were excellent. Every member provided value to the proceedings, with their slick performances. Cinderella (Bronte Tadman) was every bit the beautiful, but downtrodden young lady that Buttons (Andy Medhurst) and Prince (Bryn Lucas) could fall in love with. Her relationship with the Prince unfolded in a believable way, with the audience rooting for them both. Their duet was inspired and humorous and much more suited to a modern audience than some of the traditional songs that are often wheeled out in panto season. On the baddie front the Baroness (Rosanna Miles) was sassy and spiteful, supported by her daughters (Julian Eardley and Richard Gibson) who played off each other both physically and linguistically to provide some high-energy and comedic moments, none more so that their rendition of Swan Lake - you have to see it to believe it and once seen it can never be unseen! Then the unsung heroes: Buttons, who was animated throughout and Dandini (Nichole Bird), whose lines were delivered deadpan and with a Welsh accent that made them hilarious. Finally, you can’t have panto without a fairy (Emily Stanghan), to provide the glitter and magic. This one came with a self-depreciating twist. The set and lighting changes were numerous and added to the story, but never distracted.

This is family entertainment at its best.

Rebecca Case