The Stage

Cinderella

Published Monday 14 December 2009 at 13:35 by Anne Broom

In a story-book presentation with glittering effects, bold costumes and a strong ensemble, this company presents traditional family pantomime to ensure a magical experience for young and old.

As Vivienne McMaster’s Fairy Godmother recounts the old tale in rhyme, a spirited hunting scene creates pace and empathy, as the central characters are introduced. Mark Reeves’ Buttons immediately ensures noisy audience participation with his catchwords and lively personality. Jacquelyn Kent is a dream Cinderella, pretty and personable with a dancer’s grace and a lovely voice. Duncan Wigman’s Prince Charming is an excellent match, a versatile performer with a fine voice. With over a dozen flamboyant outfits, some extraordinary footwear and their comedy expertise, Antony Stuart-Hicks and David Phipps-Davis’s gruesome twosome, the really horrid Daffodil and Tulip, almost steal the show.

In this fast-moving quality pantomime a fine junior company choreographed by Vivienne McMaster is integral to the action, and energetically involved as villagers, courtiers and animal spirits. And with the kitchen’s refrigerator and cooking pots filled with singing and dancing mice, kind-hearted Cinderella has lots of friends. There’s magic from popular juggler and escapologist Merlin Cadogan, an enchanting transformation scene and snowflakes fall on a sparkling up-beat finale.

North Devon Gazette

Fantastic fun for kids - of all ages

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk
16 December 2009
AFTER giving it some thought, I think I secretly enjoy losing my inhibitions and letting rip a torrent of "boos" and "hisses" at pantomime baddies. It can't be a coincidence that I'm always first in the office to put my hand up when the Queen's Theatre invites us to see the show.

In fact, after reviewing the Barnstaple panto for the Gazette four times in the last five years, I've come to the conclusion that I really do relish being given the chance to act like a big kid in the relative darkness of the theatre's upper tiers.

And looking around the audience on Friday night, it appears I'm not the only one.

The Hiss & Boo Theatre Company has enjoyed a long and happy relationship producing quality pantomimes for North Devon audiences, one that continues with this year's production of Cinderella.

The fairy tale classic is brought to life thanks to a genuinely warm cast and the usual high standard of wonderfully jolly sets that give the action on stage some real depth.

This year's show features Britain's Got Talent star Merlin Cadogan in his first ever live theatre role. Playing a number of parts - including the court entertainer - Merlin gets to do what he does best and is a great addition to the cast. But he's not the only show-stealer by a long shot.

Jacquelyn Kent's adorable Cinderella is sure to prove popular with any wannabe princesses in the audience, while Duncan Wigman's cool but courteous Prince Charming will strike a chord with the boys.

The role of Buttons is always important in terms of pulling the audience into the story; and Mark Reeves' natural rapport with younger members of the audience gives the show its wonderful family feel.

But with slap-stick trowelled on just as thickly and as garishly as the lipstick, it's the Ugly Sisters who take the audience on a riotous ride in the very best traditions of the panto villain. With more costume changes than an awards host on Oscar night, these divas certainly know how to work their charms in increasingly-outrageous outfits.

Fortunately for Cinderella, Prince Charming doesn't quite see it that way and the smitten one-shoe'd royal embarks on a kingdom-wide search to get his gal and live happily ever after.

It's all good fun and possibly the only childhood rite of passage that grown men and women get the chance to relive on a yearly basis.

I defy even the greenest of Christmas Grinches not to enjoy the show. The kids will love it - and so will the big kids in all of us.

ANDY KEEBLE

Matinee and evening performances run until Sunday, January 3. For tickets, telephone the box office on (01271) 324242.

north devon.co.uk

PANTO REVIEW: Rosanna Rothery sees Cinderella at the Queen's Theatre

Friday, December 11, 2009, 16:15

FABULOUS frocks, frivolous locks and ridiculous socks — yes it's the ugly sisters in their ghastly get ups. This year it's a case of being blimmin' bling-tastic as the girls put on a marvellous display of vacuous vanity and vulgarity.

Anthony Stuart-Hicks (Daffodil) and David Phipps-Davis (Tulip) are, without a shadow of doubt, the sauciest and the silliest sisters is skirts you're likely to see in pantoland. They're simply great!

Daft and dumpy, Tulip, with a dubious taste clothes, is the perfect foil to Daffodil's superficial, snazzy and (I can't believe I'm writing this) enviably slinky style (think Paris Hilton, complete with the accessory dog, crossed with Lily Savage).

The funny fellas in frocks light up every scene they're in and make for a marvellous pair of manless old maids.

Don't let the fact that this year's seasonal offering has no famous actors put you off booking tickets. The lads in drag are reason enough to turn out for a panto that simply zips along with one upbeat scene after the next, proving to be top-notch family entertainment from beginning to end.