Sometimes you want a proper pantomime at this time of year. The kind of show that’s a ‘Panto!’ Those craving such a pure fix of this form of festive fun should head down to the Cornerstone Arts Centre for Cinderella. It’s all here – songs, slapstick, ugly sisters and the expected happy ending. As we left the theatre my partner turned to me and said that it was exactly the kind of panto she was looking for.
The narrative hues closely to the tried-and-tested here – Cinderella (Mollie Cranmer) is an orphan living in the home of her cruel stepsisters (Joe Docherty and Harry Rodgman). The Queen (Stephanie Swan, on double duties as the Fairy Godmother) is looking for a wife for her son, Prince Charming (Matthew Elward). Throw in Cinderella’s best friend, Buttons (Eddie Manning), and the gang’s all here. Cinderella naturally makes it to the ball and her and the Prince earn their happy ever after.
The ensemble is universally strong here. Manning has a keen talent for getting the audience involved, and some of his best moments are with the ugly sisters. Those sisters threaten to steal the whole show, with Docherty and Rodgman providing enough naughtiness to be cracking Dames. They’re loud, brash and a delight to watch on stage. Elward has a good line in easy charisma and plays off well with Swan’s Queen. Swan is an effortless performer, a glint of mischief in her eye preventing either part from becoming thankless. And as the titular figure and linchpin for all the show, Cranmer holds her own well, a likeable warm presence that my children were overjoyed to get a photo with after the show. It was one of the highlights of the evening that the cast came out at the end to meet the younger members of the audience. And a special mention must go to the Young Cast of Villagers, who heighten and enhance big ensemble moments.
There’s not a great deal that feels new with this Cinderella. But it doesn’t feel necessary for innovation here. These tried-and-tested antics are choregraphed well. Director Alan Booth marshals this all effectively, making sure there’s no drag with this production. Sets are simple but effective, favoring bright backdrops. And the costumes are resplendent and, in one moment, magical. Throw in fake snow, party streamers and a lot of audience participation and it’s easy to get swept up in this production.
For some this may be too much panto fun. But thanks to game turns from the ensemble and some skillfully choreographed comedic antics, Cinderella all hangs together well. It rollicks along at a terrific pace, never outstaying its welcome. If you find yourself looking for some charming family friendly fun between Christmas and the New Year, this show would be perfect for young and all.
My 8-year-old daughter had these thoughts – “I thought Cinderella was really good at acting and her sobs were really sobs. I loved how she transformed her dress; I thought it was really brilliant. I liked Buttons because he was really funny, especially during the 12 Days of Christmas song. And I loved how Buttons threw the chocolate buttons really fan so the back could get them.”
My 5-year-old son had these thoughts - "I liked the dancing and the singing. And I liked how it ended.”