By Chris Richards.
These are two hours I hope to remember always. Since a young age, I have marvelled at the high energy, bright colours and joyous humour of pantomimes. They are not everyone’s cup of tea but, honestly, to me, nothing is more festive than going along to a theatre and yelling at the stage all night! Usually while wearing some form of sequinned or ugly Xmas jumper. Why would you not?
This production is a traditional family panto. It says so on the strapline! Every element a British audience expects from the panto is present and executed beautifully. The more adult-tailored jokes were hilarious while also fluttering over the heads of the young children. The puns were top quality corny, as they should be! Having one explained to me by my 9-year-old was not my finest moment, but I suspect it is something we’ll both remember for a long time. The Dame, the additional comic scenes, and the piece de resistance – the songs – were all perfection.
The joy and memories made for my little family is something I’ll always appreciate. I have now seen two pantomimes from Theatre Royal Winchester and charity Play to the Crowd (see my previous review of Dick Whittington) and I feel confident in saying their productions are so successful due to the genuine fun, talent and collaboration, creating magic which palpably washes over the audience, drawing everyone into the spell, getting even a most grumpy tweenager to laugh raucously at the sheer silliness and fun.
My children’s favourite character was Buttons played by Ed Thorpe. A true star; engaging, perfect comedy timing and a generous performer – pouring himself completely into his performance. Julian Eardley as Fairy Godmother; a sassy, classy and debonair fairy… /waitress/burlesque dancer. A stalwart of the genre and Julian’s performance is sparkling and brilliant – every moment. But I am a sucker for a baddie. The ugly sisters are cynical, deluded and mean – And have some of the best lines of the night. Laura Dalgleish is Barbie and Alison Fitzjohn is Kendra. Their on-stage chemistry has been perfectly honed they were in real danger of stealing the show.
But no one I have seen perform the Evil Stepmother before has ever brought such effortless charm, casual cruelty and scheming selfishness all while never over acting. Never crossing the line from performance of a character to playing a caricature. Georgina Field plays the Evil Stepmother, known as Baroness. I’d have loved her part anyway but her solo original song comparing good and bad is just marvellous. A true highlight for me.
I can say with absolute confidence that if you decide to head out to Theatre Roya Winchester for Cinderella, you will make wonderful, magical, festive memories. The theatre is a magnificent venue and all the staff and volunteers give the impression that they’d prefer doing nothing else but help make the evening comfortable and jolly for everyone, whoever the audience member might be.
So there’s no excuse. Off you go and make some memories. Merry Christmas and the highest compliments of the season to all you lovely readers too.
Runs until Monday, January 1. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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