Writer/Director/Producer: Paul Hendy

Musical Director: Chris Wong

Reviewer: Victoria Bawtree

The Public Reviews Rating:

Having rejoined the world of pantomime in the last 4 or 5 years, following an apparent obligation to introduce my children to the delights of a truly British spectacle, I have seen both amateur and professional productions, and pretty much come to the conclusion that I would rather support the amateurs. Cinderella at The Marlowe, however, has swayed me in the other direction. As this is the first pantomime in Canterbury’s new state-of-the-art theatre, expectations were high for pantomime magic, and this was delivered aplenty!

The script is funny, often hilariously so, for both children and adults. I was joined by two critical reviewers in the form of my 5 & 8-year old children, and they happily reeled off the moments they loved, although anything involving getting a laugh using members of the audience (adults and children all get a look in) definitely came out top. A nice, colourful and glittery set was at most times eclipsed by the outrageous but spectacular costumes of the ugly sisters (and, yes, the Marlowe is one of the productions using the controversial Beatrice and Eugenie). There were too many creations to count and each change seemed to be achieved with lightening speed: one can only imagine the scene backstage. Costumes and wigs for the ugly sisters were designed by actors Michael Batchelor and Ian Smith, along with Jo Mason, and for this they deserve special mention.

Musically, this is not a typical production using reams of pop covers, although there are certainly a few. Most are, however, cleverly manipulated giving this production a musical cohesion that is so often lacking in pantomime. It starts innocently enough with the well-loved ‘Bring me sunshine’, but into this is added a funky middle section with a live trumpeter and saxophonist in the auditorium and excellent choreography to match. Listen out for the trumpeter (Karen Straw) in Prince Charming’s (John Partridge) rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ too (if you can hear it above an excitable crowd!).

The cast is strong and clearly having a lot of fun. My children’s vote goes whole-heartedly to Stephen Mulhern as the loveable Buttons, although ‘Russell’ (Siôn Tudor Owen, also playing Baron Hardup) from the brilliant Strictly Come Dancing scene got a particularly hearty laugh too. Having not followed Eastenders or Over the Rainbow, this reviewer was among the few not to know John Partridge as Prince Charming, but I found myself won over by an undeniable charisma and strong vocal performance. For comedy timing galore, special mention must go to Ben Roddy as Dandini for keeping the adults entertained without worrying the children, and to Sue Devaney as Fairy Godmother.

Yes, this production is loud at times (thanks largely to a wildly appreciative audience) and some vocals can be a touch saccharin, but if you’ve ever wanted to see it snow indoors or a life-size horse fly, and have a good few laughs in the process, then book your tickets now. Even without children, you won’t be disappointed.

Runs until 22 January 2012

Cinderella – Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, 4.3 out of 5 based on 11 ratings

Tags: Canterbury, Chris Wong, Cinderella, John Partridge, Marlowe Theatre, Pantomime, Paul Hendy, Stephen Mulhern, Sue Devaney