BWW Reviews: CINDERELLA, Bristol Hippodrome, December 10 2013

Fun, festive frolics abound in the Bristol Hippodrome's production of Cinderella! A sparkly curtain sets the tone for the upbeat evening ahead, which is full of colour, sparkle and flair (and some blindingly pink tights!).

Full of glitz and pizzazz, Cinderella contains a nice eclectic mix of music, from Thelma Houston's 'Don't Leave Me This Way' and Madonna's 'Vogue', to Passenger's 'Let Her Go'. One of the highlights of the evening, for young and old alike, was the utterly nutty 'What Does the Fox Say?', delivered with a wonderful dollop of energy and silliness by Andy Ford and the enthusiastic ensemble.

As any good pantomime should, the show cracks out some great local references, including a West Country translator, which had the audience in stitches. A particular highlight for many was the 3D scene in the second act - the friendly Hippodrome staff handed out free 3D glasses so that everyone could experience a ghostly graveyard and its spooky inhabitants in all their scary, three-dimensional glory. Judging by the screeches and delighted squeals from all corners of the theatre, it went down a storm! Two little white ponies making a live appearance seemed to win the audience over, triggering a round of 'aaahs', but when one of the equine actors slipped and became distressed, it did make me wonder whether they should be taking part in the show at all.

Now in his fifth year of panto at the 101-year-old theatre, local legend Andy Ford is adorable as unlucky-in-love Buttons, best pal to both Cinderella and the audience. He is indeed a loveable character with great comic timing, who provides some wonderful comedy moments, and even a bit of heartbreak along the way (bless him!). He also comes into his own as he improvises on stage with children from the audience, thinking on his feet and being charming in the process.

Suzanne Shaw makes a sweet Cinders, although I felt she could be a little more 'real' and gutsy at times. Her duet with Prince Charming, played by Andrew Derbyshire, was lovely, and managed not to cross the line into drippy. Derbyshire has a lovely voice which will surely make many teenage girls in the audience swoon.

Undoubtedly, the Extravagance Award goes to none other than Louie Spence, bedecked in a bright pink, sparkling tunic, whose over-the-top flamboyance had the audience rolling in the aisles. While Spence's hilariously extreme camp-ness was a draw for many, I, for one, simply enjoyed watching the man dance - he is certainly one talented individual, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him do what he does best.

Graham Hoadly and Paul Burnham as Miley and Tulisa, Cinderella's Ugly Sisters, were most certainly the best I have seen. They worked perfectly together, and were truly two people the audience loved to hate. Both 'ladies' had great comedy timing, were deliciously nasty, and sported some wonderfully outrageous costumes. Liz Robertson made a very regal fairy godmother, managing to deliver her rhyming couplets without sounding too cheesy, and belting out the final song of act one with aplomb. David Roper was enjoyable as the amusingly named Baron Brizzle, and the ensemble were full of energy and fun.

All I can say is, no matter what your age, get yourself down to the Hippodrome in the next few weeks, buy some fantastic flashing merchandise, and get ready to have a raucous evening of child-like fun and a generous dose of innuendo with Cinderella and her funny friends. Don't forget to buy a programme for your chance to win a golden ticket - and remember, 50p from every programme sale goes towards the charity When You Wish Upon A Star.

Cinderella runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 5 January 2014.

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