York Theatre Royal – until 2nd January 2022
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Growing up Cinderella was my favourite fairy tale, so I was looking forward to this production at York Theatre Royal. Did it live up to my expectations?
Straight away on entering the auditorium, you could sense the excitement. The stage and lighting looked splendid, even with the curtain down, the word Cinderella sparkling away, I do love a bit of bling. The Fairy Godmother (Sarah Leatherbarrow) didn’t disappoint in that aspect, even having a sequinned air cast boot to match her outfit. She isn’t your regular Fairy Godmother, she has yet to earn her wand and wings.
This is the classic Cinderella tale, but with a modern twist. Cinderella (Faye Campbell) is still a dreamer but is an independent female and still has to deal with her wicked stepsisters, Manky (Robin Simpson) and Mardy (Paul Hawkyard). They come screeching onto the stage on a motorcycle, with side car, resplendent in their gawdy, Gaultier inspired costumes. I must say all their many outlandish costumes were absolutely fabulous darling, befitting of the great pantomime traditions. The pair were hilarious, with just the right amount of wickedness, playing up to the audience and picking out Ian, the most handsome in the theatre. Note, if you don’t want to be singled out, don’t sit in the front rows, their words not mine. The strictly reference and Claudia’s fringe is not to be missed. A pair I would love to see again.
Cinderella of course falls in love with Prince Charming (Benjamin Layfette) with her best friend, Buttons (Max Fulham), secretly wishing for something more. Campbell and Layfette play their roles with a sweet innocent, and oh so charming way, understated and just perfect for this show. Fulham is a comedian and ventriloquist, all is put to great use. He is seriously outstanding as Buttons, along with his monkey Gordon, and a great routine with a bin. So funny, ad-libbing with ease, endearing, we laughed and cried along with him. A true talent and surely a bright star of the future.
A audience favourite was surely Andy Day from CBeebies as Dandini. I have seen him a few times on the telly but he showed us more of his talents with his infectious smile, physical comedy and singing voice. Any mention of a resemblance to a 1980’s British female javelin thrower are not wide of the mark, but he is much better looking.
We were treated to some aerialists, Duo Fusion. I have seen a few in the past and I must say they were up there with the best. So compelling to watch, you were drawn to them, memorised by their athletic performance, it was stunning to watch.
The set, costumes, cast, musicians were just magical, no expense spared. I don’t want to give the game away but the carriage to the ball was breath taking, the whole audience were blown away, just wow.
Paul Hendy of Evolution Productions has written and produced this production with his partner Emily Wood. Working in collaboration with York Theatre Royal and director Juliet Forster, this is a fresh, more traditional, family friendly set up. All I can say is long may it continue.
Did it live up to expectations? Of course it did, I loved it, it had everything to appeal to young and old. I was clapping, dancing and singing along to everything, and jumped up to give the well deserved standing ovation. I cannot recommend it enough, if I could go again I would.