CINDERELLA
written & directed by
Sue Hickson
The Playhouse, Pateley Bridge 'I could hear you laughing from downstairs' said one of the theatre bar staff at the Panto. You could probably hear us laughing from the High Street, never mind from downstairs.
Making the most of an intimate stage, the Pateley Players strutted their stuff to the delight of all. Star of the show, apart from Garry, was the costumes by Christine Ward and Rachel Smith. A huge amount of work must have gone into making every sparkle, ruff, satin, bow and button.
There were some excellent portrayals of these bizarre characters and I particularly enjoyed Steve Rouse, who had great attack and whose accent as Max Brod was consistent and convincing throughout.
Hugh Cawley didn’t enter until Act Two but he made a big impact, both with his commanding height and his domineering personality. He was a great contrast to the diminutive Kafka (Rae Joynson) who gave a very convincing performance, especially in the dock in Act Two.
Trapp the mouse, a non-speaking part was given an expressive performance by Heather Appleton. Her appearance triggered many of the running (literally), jokes linking the scenes.
Often in on the action were Block and Tackle, Debbie Forsyth and Carol Bailey in rollicking good form, along with Garry and his handler, Darryl Hall.
Think you know the story of Cinderella? Well, you do, but with enough twists and turns to enrich and amuse. Fairy godmother, Joyce Liggins, wqs resplendent in blonde wig and satins as ‘Jane Glow’.
She was opposed by our favourite wicked woman, Rachel Smith, in the guise of Melisandre. Their encounters, using the sides of this small theatre, brought cheers and jeers.
Coni Harpham’s depiction of Dandini, the Prince’s right-hand man, was delightful. She seems made for the stage in this, her debut for the Players.
Nevin and Peter gave their double act its usual quick wit and verve. Their confident interaction with the audience and the plot ensured we were all in on the jokes.
Ruth Dodsworth has never been more scary as Cinderella’s stepmother. Didn’t you just love the red hair!
Steve Hunt as King Boris and Ian Johnson as Baron Hardup played hapless men very convincingly!
In a reprise of the Pantomime in 2014, Prince Charming, Mia Hirst and Cinderella, Brenna Smith, gave an authentic feel to their sweet first forever love.
Jaxom Smith gave the role of Buttons an understated sincerity, difficult to pull off in such an overheated atmosphere.
Congratulations to Sue Hickson for another cracker of a panto. Fast, furious and highly entertaining with some great back projections and wonderful singing & music. All in all, a Pantomime which delivers what all the best Pantomimes do; it keeps you laughing at the dark.