St Helen’s Theatre Royal – until 8 January 2023
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
5*****
If you are looking for some Christmas magic look no further than the Regal Entertainments production of Cinderella (directed by Chantelle Nolan). Cinderella is currently playing at St Helen’s Theatre Royal until the 8th January 2023 and I was lucky enough to watch the show last night with my family. It provided a night of Christmas magic and laughter for all the family. I was really looking forward to this years panto; Cinderella is a childhood favourite of mine, and St Helen’s pantomimes never disappoint, with much loved chaos and constant slate of gags.
Cinderella is a childhood classic tail which tells the story of a delightful girl that lives as a servant to her two ugly stepsisters, however this is set to change with help from her Fairy Godmother and Buttons she receives an invitation for the grand ball held at the palace and is transformed into a princess.
This year’s casting for the pantomime was absolutely brilliant! Kimberley Hart-Simpson (Coronation Street) played the most fantastic Cinderella, with Joe Sleight as Prince Charming who falls madly in love with Cinderella instantly whilst walking in the woods. A St Helen’s panto would not be the same without Lewis Devine as Buttons; showing his hilarious comedy moments of cheek, pranks, laughter, and not so clean jokes for the adults (include the scouse humour!)! Lewis had the audience in hysterics from the moment he first came on stage to the moment he left and the audience absolutely loved him as usual.
Britain’s Got Talent 2020 winner, comedian and musician Jon Courtenay played the part of Dandini with so well, and one of the favourite moments for me was when he performed the panto song, his comedic talents really shine through within the performance. A favourite for my son was the exceptionally talented Jamie Leahey and his puppet Chuck (Britain’s Got Talent runner up winner 2022) – these were a fantastic addition to the pantomime and Jamie oozed confidence on the stage! The acts of the evil stepsisters were hilarious, with Borisina and Trussiana played by Richard Aucott and Kristopher Bosch. There scenes were outrageous, with even more outrageous costumes! They played the audience and received an array of booos in true panto style! The chemistry on stage between all the actors was outstanding, including impressive vocals to some contemporary and older pop songs throughout the performance which kept the audience highly engaged. A highlight of the performance was the St Helen’s alternative of ‘5 Gold Rings’ festive song, renamed ‘5 Toilet Rolls’ – the mishaps, and display of this was hysterical which was paired with audience interaction, I think everyone at this point was crying with laughter!
As with previous Regal Entertainment Ltd pantomimes, the staging and set designs was magnificent accompanied with extravagant non-expense spared glitzy / sparkly costumes. The choreography was marvellous and faultlessly performed by all performers on stage. The show even featured real Shetland ponies, with the audience going into an ‘awwwww’ whenever they came on stage, firm favourite moment for the younger audience.
In summary, this pantomime is not to be missed! At the age of 36, I have been to many pantomimes and, this has got to be the absolute best; thanks for such a fun filled night. Regal Entertainments ltd, absolutely smashed it, so much so, it’s got me wanting to watch it again! So, if you haven’t yet got tickets, Cinderella is playing at the St Helen’s Theatre Royal until the 8th January 2023, it is sure to provide 2 plus hours of fun filled family fun, which will have you in stitches laughing!