Theatre Britian Presents Cinderella as British Holiday Panto

A overworked woman who desperately wants to go to a ball given by a handsome prince.  Her cruel stepmother and stepsisters.  A fairy godmother.  Yes, you're watching Cinderella, but the production has a special twist—this is a British pantomime version of the classic fairy tale as presented by Theatre Britain.  In the UK, pantomime (more commonly known as 'panto'), refers to a traditional fairy tale, complete with songs, dances, jokes, exaggerated characters, and lots of audience participation.

Jackie Mellor's script is cleverly written. All the characters are richly drawn and highly entertaining.  The highlight of the evening was the stepsisters, played by two men in drag as figures of fun rather than cruelty.  As Enchilada, one of the two stepsisters, Malcolm Beaty was sheer delight.  His facial expressions and gestures as he proclaimed how beautiful he was while he fought with his sister were outstanding.  Allison McCorckle turned in a high energy performance as Silly Billie, the court jester.

Sue Birch's direction kept Cinderella flowing nicely.  The production values were of the highest order.  Darryl Clement's sets were vividly done and the costumes by Robin Armstrong were colorful and entertaining. The music composed by Christopher George added expression to the entertainment.  Two songs in the public domain were also added for excellent effect—a quite humorous "The Rest of The Day's Your Own" as sung by Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters and the delightful sing-a-long " Jolly Good Company."

Cinderella is warm entertainment.  It will be enjoyed by all members of the family.  If you don't have any children of your own, the child in you will spark to this opportunity to enjoy a true British panto.

Cinderella will be presented by Theatre Britain until December 22.  For more information, please visit their website.

 

Photo Credit:  Mark Trew

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