York Theatre Royal. Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
Written and co-directed by Berwick Kaler, also directed by Damian Cruden, York Theatre Royal brings you their tale of the classic story of Cinderella. Showing until Saturday 28th January 2017.
This is Berwick Kaler’s 38th outing as a dame, an annual tradition, and much loved in York, playing the spiteful Ugly Sister, Hernia. We are treated to a “middle aged Cinderella”, their words not mine, played wonderfully by Suzy Cooper, the wicked step mother, David Leonard, and the other Ugly Sister, Priscilla played by A J Powell, loved his brummie accent. Powell worked well alongside his fellow sister and with the role of Kaler’s stooge, a role usually reserved for Martin Barrass, who was involved in a very serious motorcycle crash earlier this year. I’m pleased to say that after making a brief appearance with a standing ovation, he looks like he is on the mend.
From the onset with Kaler and Powell appearing to still be in costume from last year’s panto, Dick Whittington and his Meerkat, we were treated to lavish sets, colourful costumes and some great singing and dancing from all the cast, well supported by the live band. It was good to see the use of new stage and the scene changes were seamless and I must say the carriage scene when Cinderella goes to ball was stunning and magical.
All the cast did a great job and I must mention Pocklington’s own, Harry Hughes as Buttons, because that it where I live, cheesy I know, but it is nice to get a mention for our small Market Town. I have also got to comment on Leonard’s legs, they are to die for, and those kicks, I was certainly impressed and envious. He played a great villain, as always and great switching during the Baroness and Baron scene.
We were treated to a couple of film sequences, which were a bit odd, especially the one involving Suzi Quatro, a bit pointless I thought, even though it was very current and a take on the very popular Carpool Karoke. At least the one involving Harry Gration and The Rocky Horror Show gave us all a giggle, a brave man indeed.
Cinderella is my favourite fairy tale, so I may be a little biased, but this show is great family entertainment, with quite a few tongue in cheek jokes. I really enjoyed it and thoroughly recommend all to go and see it whilst you can. I look forward to next year’s panto and hopefully seeing the talented Barrass back on stage.