Moondance Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Mold/Yr Wyddrug – until 17th January 2026
Reviewed by Julie Noller
5*****
That long anticipated night of the year is finally upon us; but wait this isn’t just any old panto this is Theatr Clwyds much loved Rock n Roll panto and this year we gather together (oh yes we do) to boo, hiss and cheer not forgetting laugh until we cry, sing and clap Cinderella. My review begins with the very impressive revamp of the programme. There’s the usual meet the cast, behind the scenes but there is also a cut out puppet to try and re-enact the opening scenes. You can also treat your little ones (however old) to a sticker pack with each sticker a cartoon of the characters to pop over the real life photo, helping to showcase the actor as cast. If you are really lucky you may just find a shiny sticker hidden around the theatre to add to your collection!! Just to note please don’t lift plates in the restaurant as they won’t be hidden there.
Cinderella is directed by Daniel Lloyd marking a 20 year love affair that has taken him from on stage to off stage with a wealth of knowledge. He makes a valid point stating that Theatr Clwyds Panto doesn’t rely on star names but uses its reputation of delivering quality, fun packed shows. The unique draw is fantastic actors who act, sing, dance and play; you know they all enjoy the show as much as the audience. Closely snapping at Daniel’s heels is Phylip Harries who returns as Dame Hettie Hardup for his 18th Panto; perhaps next year we will get a Dame of Bingo for we were all waiting for the infamous line ‘looking lush love’ if we didn’t all get to shout it then something would feel amiss. Front row sitters will never learn as one fateful man is selected by Hettie to be her man for the night, much to the delight of his children. Phillip as always steers the ship; it’s not always scripted but it’s always polished. Every year the Dame arrives on stage riding her mobile vehicle (ok it has to be small to fit on stage) this year we were treated to the instrumental Jet 2 advert music and yes you guessed it she arrived aboard a red dragon plane. Her daughter, the lovely Cinderella sees us welcoming local girl Rhianna Goodwin for her first Theatr Clwyd Panto. Her dress I was looking out for was made from recycled jeans highlighting the theatre’s commitment to sustainability. Her stand out scene is when she slips out of gentle character to sassy character to lecture her step sisters. Enter the not so ugly sisters but more mean girls Sam and Ella Hardup (Celia Cruwys-Finnigan and Alice Mckenna) they showcase society today more recognisable to a younger audience, ugliness is not always seen in beauty but is deep inside. Buttons is always one of my favourite characters; the underdog and all round nice guy Robert Wade is also a first timer in Mold, he had perfect comedic timing and used his whole body in over exaggerated movements which all added to the fun. Georgina White returns although not as a baddie (a role she played so well and we loved to hate) she gets to showcase her inner Fairy as the OGFG and there’s the saxophone again!!
Over at the castle live King Benedict and Queen Beatrice (Joe Butcher and Chioma Uma). I couldn’t take my eyes off that impressively twitching moustache. The Queen’s singing and dancing booty drop should be applauded. Steve Simmonds returns this year as Dandini, again the comedy was on another level the hair flicks, the tongue use and not to mention the full kiss make up was outstanding for his full song and dance number – now that’s rock n roll in action. Elliot Parchment-Morrison has travelled just down the road from Manchester for his first Panto in Mold. As Prince Charming I was amazed at his singing, what an incredible voice!!! I look forward to perhaps seeing him perform in more musicals over the years. His impressive exit off stage every time was a very agile front role, that had me thinking oh if only my bones didn’t creek.
I’ve mentioned the cast obviously there’s no need to retell the story for it’s a tale we know so well. The music is all that’s left when I say all; well there would be no Rock n Roll Panto without it hits from 9 til 5, Firework, I Want to Break Free, Royal, Common People a splattering of Elvis and Kiss. I imagine when Christian Patterson wrote this script and Tayo Akinbode was working on the musical Direction the most fun was deciding which songs to include! I dread to think how long the original list was. I can’t leave you (oh no I can’t) without a special mention to Brian the Badger who always appears in his little box up high on the wall; a fleeting glance but he delivered a play on a shakespeare line with the brutal ‘TB or not TB’ ouch.
Panto has played, the songs have been sung, bubbles and snow appeared from the ceiling so Christmas can begin. Panto pure escapism that we all should delight in.