Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 7th January 2024
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Ah, panto season is upon us and this year’s choice at Malvern is Cinderella. The auditorium lights seemed brighter and there was a palpable buzz in the room – almost certainly from the heaving stalls full of expectant children and their parents and, of course, the most magical (tinselly) time of the year.
The show began with the big marquee name – Katie McGlynn – as the exceptionally glamorous Fairy Godmother with a rather familiar northern accent played to the max. With most of her lines rhyming she did very well to remember them all so the Pantoland magic was maintained. We all know she can do the dramatic stuff but tonight we also got to enjoy her more comedic side with an accomplished performance that held the audience in its spell.
Cinderella was as sweet and lovely as one could wish; Bethan Jacks doing a fine job in her leading lady role. She, and her Prince Charming (Ben Brooker), made a very likable (and believable) duo that we naturally rooted for. The star of the show was though, arguably (and for many), Malvern panto regular Mark James playing Buttons. He had an easy rapport with the audience and whipped up the excitement adding to the atmosphere as cast fed off the energy of the audience (and vice versa). My personal highlight was when all three performed the “Close To You” musical number. A wonderful scene involving some lovely slapstick!
The Ugly Sisters (Jamie Morris as Melody and Tarot Joseph as Harmony) complimented each other nicely and were suitably scary looking with that delicious hissable quality that any good panto villains need. Dandini (the Prince’s page, Jordan Lee Davies), Baron Hard-Up (Mark Faith) and a troupe of “Villagers” (principally dancers, but in truth so much more) rounded out an excellent cast.
The costumes were sumptuous and provided much hilarity – especially the implausibly bewigged Ugly sisters. The many sight gags were also welcome and added further to the entertainment. The compact orchestra was in fine form under the taut direction of Musical Director Tom Self, employing many familiar tunes, re-purposed with new lyrics to fit the story. The whole cast producing a joyous and melodious ensemble.
James returned at the end for an amusing coda to cap the evening off (well, except for one last full cast curtain call) giving him the chance to indulge in a final singalong number as well as involve some local children – for whom the experience will be one they will remember for the rest of their lives I’m sure (as will their families).
There must be a tick list somewhere of all the elements needed for a truly cracking panto – and Cinderella ticked all the boxes! For it was a fabulous panto with just as much for the parents (or older children at heart) as the little ones. A familiar story, the double entendre laden script (á la saucy postcards), personal nostalgia, a heartwarming love story… all coming together in a festive spectacle that was as sweet a confection as Christmas could possibly dish up. “What’s not to like?” I ask myself – and the answer is “nothing”. Unreservedly recommended.