Bridlington Spa – until 5 January 2020
Review by Zoe Giles
5*****
From the first moment Didi appeared on stage she was engaging with the audience and I just knew it was going to be a hit, as straight away everyone was intrigued to see what was going to happen next.
This year’s pantomime a Paul Holman and Associates Production stars Didi Conn the legendary Frenchy from the 1978 smash hit musical film Grease, a firm favourite of mine however the younger members of the audience will probably know her best from her time on Dancing on Ice! Returning once again to the stage alongside Didi is the much-loved and respected actor John Lyons from A Touch of Frost fame, who plays Baron Hardup.
From the outset this truly is a magical pantomime with all the classic story telling of the family favourite story of Cinderella, from her humble beginnings to the glitz and sparkle when the magical glass slipper is placed upon her slender foot, and finally she gets her prince charming.
Throughout the dancers gave very professional performances and showcased years of practice and skill alongside the children who joined them on stage.
Personally, I felt Troy Harris as Buttons was the stand out character of the night for me with his antics, audience participation not to mention the Twelve Days of Christmas. Tristan Ward also demonstrated a strong powerful voice and stage presence.
We loved the comic acting skills displayed by Paul Winterford and Aaron Spendelow as the ugly sister’s the brought the audience to fits of laughter with their funny antics and many costume changes.
The costume and set design are amazing add in lighting ,special effects and sound and the stage truly comes to life transporting us to the various locations Cinderella’s house, the ball room, palace etc. and even providing Cinderella with her golden carriage.
Music and chorography are a major factor in this stage production and full credit must be given to the entire cast and band as they were flawless throughout.
We all LOVED this pantomime as it is what a true traditional panto should be, funny believable entertaining and thankfully easy to follow given the fact that it follows the classic story of Cinderella and doesn’t differ from the very well known and loved story as other pantomimes I have seen recently tend to, which gave my children a greater understanding and enjoyment of what was going on as they were able to follow the story fully and relate to what they were seeing on stage.
Afterwards a lovely gesture by the main cast is that they came out into the main entrance of the Spa so you could have photos taken with them without any cost and they greet you and thank you for coming to see the pantomime again a memory maker for myself and my children, Thank you
Bridlington Spa for an outstanding pantomime and if I could give more stars I would, recommend everyone come and see this panto it is truly outstanding.
Merry Christmas Everyone