Hull New Theatre – until 30th December 2108
Reviewed by Cath McWilliams
4****
The pink glittery backdrop, slippers and stars being projected around Hull New Theatre and the buzz of excitement from the children could only mean one thing; we were waiting for the start of Qdos Entertainments pantomime Cinderella. The band struck up and there were squeals of delight around the theatre as the Fairy Godmother (Jocasta Almgill) appeared to start the story.
This is a very traditional pantomime full of all the things you would want, bad jokes, innuendos for the adults, audience participation, a baddie to boo at, songs to join in with, dancing, good triumphing over evil, but most of all lots of fun, lots of laughter and lots of silliness. There were lots of local references and jokes and someone had done their homework very well, as all were accurate – if sometimes making me wince! I left the theatre with a huge grin on my face and the buzz from the audience as we left was one of satisfaction and enjoyment.
The story is the one we all know, Prince Charming (Neil McDermott) is throwing a ball to find himself a wife but Cinderella (Hannah Nicholas) is not allowed to go as her stepmother, the very evil Baroness Angelique (Anita Dobson) wants her daughters to marry the Prince. Of course the Fairy Godmother saves the day with her magic so that Cinderella can go to the ball and meet her Prince Charming and after a little bother marry him.
Anita Dobson is superb as Baroness Angelique and earned the biggest boos from the audience last night. Her voice is seductively evil and frankly I believed she would cut off her daughter’s toes so that her foot fitted the shoe!! It was clear that she relished every moment of it.
The two sisters were played by David Dale (Claudia) and Tommy Wallace (Tess) and what a pair they were! A big shout out needs to go to the costume designers as their costumes were incredible in their awfulness! I particularly liked the traffic light dress. The pairs coming timing was excellent as they attempted to catch their prince.
Martyn James quickly established a rapport with the audience as Buttons and the children loved his magic tricks. Baron Hardup (Bernie Clifton) was the one to add a great deal of silliness to the proceedings, though his rendition of Love Changes Everything was particularly heartfelt.
Neil McDermott was suitably charming as Prince Charming and worked well with his sidekick Dandini (Liam Marcellino). Hannah Nicholas made a sweet Cinderella and Jocasta Almgill added a bit of oomph to the Fairy Godmother.
Choreography was excellent and the ensemble and the children from the LWHS School of dance were faultless as they danced through the show. This performance was also dependent on the superb costumes, the fabulous scenery and lighting and a cracking band to make sure the audience had a great night out
Traditional but never old fashioned, Cinderella hits all the buttons. This is a fun filled night for all the family – take a night away from the tv to go and enjoy live theatre.