Thanks
to our niece Lisa and our trip to Manchester for her 21st
birthday I went to see my first panto in about 5 years.
The production of Cinderella at the Opera House has the
wonderfully talented Brian Conley as Buttons, who is not just the
headline name but steals the show (except when even he is
upstaged by the audience!). This was the first time I have seen
Brian live and am extremely impressed by his total stage presence,
his comic timing, beautiful singing voice and lovely personality
off stage. He is totally at ease with almost everything that
happened on and off stage.
Thanks
to the Channel 4 documentary ‘Pantoland’ I was aware of both
Nigel Ellacott as ‘Ugly Sister – Britney’ and Peter Robbins
‘Ugly Sister – Whitney’ and their utter devotion to the job.
The reality is just as impressive the costumes and accessories,
all self designed, are spectacular, intricate and colourful.
Fully packed with great musical numbers
old and new, from the opening Prologue with the Fairy Godmother
(Rachel Spry). Her spectacular flying entrance and lovely voice
set the scene. She links some of the scenes and helps move the
story on.
Lynsey
Britton is a pretty Cinderella, if a little more street-wise than some I
have seen in the past. Dawson
Chance as Baron Hardup adds his own stamp to the character and
introduces one or two of his little friends into the act.
Sean Needham as the Prince is certainly
charming, having a good voice and pleasant looks. His winning ways
mach those of his Cinderella.
Jody Crosier as Dandini stole some of the
limelight away from the Prince as far as I am concerned and his
Act 2 opening number ‘Be our Guest’ restarted the show on a
high. His dashing good looks and fabulous voice make him a
pleasure to watch.
The eight strong company who are the
dancers, villagers and ball gests have several well-choreographed
numbers are occasionally joined by a youth chorus in a variety of
guises.
The small band of five musicians are lead
by Mark Crossland who I saw as ‘Cookie’ in “Return to the
Forbidden Planet”.
I
don’t know why I stayed away from Pantomimes for so long but I
wont leave it as long the next time.
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