Leeds City Varieties Music Hall- until 13 January 2019
Reviewed by Sally Richmond
5*****
Cinderella – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is a high-spirited, fun-packed family show that could not fail to break even the meanest of baddies into spontaneous belly laughs.
Leeds City Varieties’ famous pantomime presents Cinderella over this Christmas and New Year season and as always, it’s first class because: it’s performed by multi-talented musicians and actors, filled with a slap-stick hilarious comedy, has amazing rock ‘n’ rolls numbers played by a live band, audience participation moments that leave the kids wanting more (the boulder battle returns!) and a happy ending of course!
The Leeds City Varieties Music Hall is a beautiful Grade II* listed music hall and has a special place in the hearts of the people from Leeds and West Yorkshire, making it the perfect venue for a traditional, family pantomime to be performed.
This year’s fantastic cast of lovable characters are: Cinders aka Princess Stella from Harrogate (Grace Lancaster), Prince Charming (Alex Wingfield), Dandini – Leed’s very own rock star (Tom Connor), an evil, gold-digging step-mother (Katia Sartini), an old fool Baron Hardup (Dyfrig Morris), Scott Haining and Matthew James Hinchliffe’s ugly sisters, Hernia and Verruca De Zees, a young fool Buttons (Kenny Davies), the Fairy Godmother (Rachel Nottingham) and the quirky Messenger (Leo Elso).
Cinderella – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto has all the wonderful elements of a traditional pantomime but with the added extras of having an amazing ensemble of actor-musicians, who perform classic hit songs faultlessly, live on stage. As always this Leeds panto is all about the classic tunes (20 in total – musically directed by Greg Palmer), which are smartly woven into the traditional Cinderella fairytale story and include: The Weather Girls’ It’s Raining Men, Dusty’s Downtown, The Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling to mention but a few.
Everyone including the audience, gives it their all, and this high paced show races along, powered by Baron Hardup’s and Rubella De Zees funny, ill fated romance and the grotesque, ugly sisters side-splitting shtick. Cinderella and Prince charming are beautifully played and their tender love story has heart-warming moments. Poor old unlucky- in -love Buttons interacts with the audience as well as belting out popular songs that are note perfect.
By the closing number, the whole audience were on their feet dancing, clapping and signing their hearts out to what was a brilliant all-round panto. This pantomime has the maximum feel-good factor and is perfect to get one, even Scrooge, in a Christmassy or New Year party mood. You get a double for your money at the Leeds legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto – as you get to see a pop rock show and a pantomime all in one! A total treat, not to be missed!