Farehma Live – until Sunday 5th January 2025
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
5*****
Fareham Live’s debut pantomime, Cinderella, is a sparkling treat for the whole family—bursting with laughter, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping performances. The star-studded cast, including TV and dance sensations AJ & Curtis Pritchard as Prince Charming and Dandini, bring a fresh burst of energy to this timeless tale.
AJ and Curtis’s dance moves, as expected, were nothing short of electrifying—each routine leaving the audience in awe. The choreography rightfully took center stage, with Dandini in particular stealing the show. He moved with such flair that you almost forgot his lips were simply along for the ride, delivering jaw-dropping routines while the soundtrack did the vocal heavy lifting. While their choreography was no surprise, it was Curtis’s remarkable stage presence and knack for physical comedy—especially in the beautician scene—that had the whole family howling with laughter. We could have watched that sketch again and again!
Cinderella herself, played by Rhiannon Bacchus, was everything a panto princess should be—beautiful, graceful, and with a voice that was both powerful and pitch-perfect. Her transformation into the ball gown was an absolute spectacle, as was the sparkling fairytale carriage. The Fairy Godmother, played by Eleanor Wainwright, dazzled with magical charm and flawless vocals.
Paul Burling, as Buttons, stole the show with his quick wit and hilarious impressions, keeping the audience laughing throughout. I’d wondered whether a panto this year would resonate with our pre-teens, but it was the scenes with Buttons that had them on the edge of their seats, shouting with excitement—completely immersed in the moment. The Ugly Sisters (Gareth Mitchell and Garnon Davies) were as over-the-top as you’d hope—sporting outrageous costumes and delivering riotous performances full of cheeky Gen Z references that kept the show fresh for younger audiences. My 11-year-old especially delighted in their “skibidee rizz” moment!
The show is packed with all the magical panto elements you know and love—mayhem and mischief around every corner, memorable musical numbers, slapstick comedy, audience participation, and plenty of gags to keep everyone grinning from ear to ear. The wonderful set, costumes, and effects all come together to create an unforgettable experience. We particularly appreciated the quality and attention to detail—every moment, even the scene changes, was packed with content, making the pacing feel seamless.From start to finish, it’s pure fun and laughter, leading to a most definitely happy and memorable night out. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, Cinderella as Fareham Live’s debut Pantomime is a gem this season, surely cementing its place as one of the region’s top performances. This is a must-see, full of magic, excitement, and festive fun. Highly recommended from our family to yours—get your tickets before the clock strikes midnight!