Cinderella • December 2009 • Parkshot

Overview

It's all over, but the spirit of the panto will live happily ever after and in good shape with BROS Theatre Company's fantastic contribution to this musical form.

A good panto will always look as though the performers just happened to end up onstage and start enjoying themselves with apparently little effort - but it can all so easily end up in shambolics.

Fortunately for the audience of Parkshot Studio Theatre, the week's run of Cinderella was held together with wonderfully professional frivolity as opposed to frivolous amateurism. Congratulations to all involved!

Review

Before Christmas we were treated to BROS's version of Cinderella, wittily and saucily written and directed by Loz Keal at the Parkshot Studio. As befits this venue it was simply set. A huge picture book with pages to turn for each change of scene, enabled the production to zip along at a good fast pace. A small band was partially concealed behind the book, but we were fortunate to see musical director, Kerry Sampson, done up in costume, participating in the show in feisty fashion. Popular tunes were the vehicle for some entertaining lyrics which were also the cue for energetic dance routines, choreographed by Melanie Edwards, performed by the small but beautifully formed chorus.

Tracy Sorgiovanni was a sweet and suitably demure Cinderella, encouraged by the low-key but heart-tugging Buttons of Tim Parish. The Ugly Sisters were truly ghastly, played by immensely tall Edz Barrett, his height enhanced by platform soles, high heels and a veritable Blackpool Tower of a wig! Edz's more petite, but equally ghastly sister, played by Veronica Maidment contrasted well in more rounded, almost circular costumes. Well done wardrobe team! Completing the unlovely trio was Lottie Walker as wicked Step-Mother. She certainly frightened me, and I saw several children in the front row quaking at the sight and sound of her.

Hannah Reynold's thigh-slapping Prince Charming was, of course, charming but what can I say about his/her side-kick, Dandini? Diego Avila in this role was certainly a force to be reckoned with. His performance was quite manic and scene-stealing. More of Diego please!! Again the kids in the front row were quite bemused by his up-front, literally in-yer-face performance. Finally, it was lovely to see Beryl Yorath's dimples dimpling away as Fairy Godmother singing sweetly whilst performing her magic to sort everything out. There was obviously some competition to play the Footman, as five actors were credited in the programme. I don't know who won the competition, but I have reason to believe it was pretty keen.

A great show to put us in a light-hearted mood during the hectic run-up to Christmas.
Thank you so much, BROS.

Heather Morgan
Arts Richmond

Public Testimonials

We had such a laugh. I can honestly say it's the best panto I've ever seen. The cast were superb!

Lisa Mainwaring

We had a great time and really enjoyed the show, especially the wicked step-mother. We had fun and found that it got us into the Christmas spirit. It was lovely how all the children joined in and visibly had a terrific time.

Nick Collins

Just to say that we all had an absolutely fantastic time on Friday night - thanks so much! We found everyone really wonderful, Tim, Diego, Edz & Veronica - and of course Wes - and everyone else on stage really made us laugh - and such wonderful dancing, the whole group was great and we found Juliet was absolutely fantastic!! The boys have been talking about the show the whole weekend, they had a really fun time.
Thanks a million to all who participated and made it happen, for an absolutely super evening!

Cherry and Martin

WOW last night was amazing, especially the Queen song! I have not laughed so much and so hard for years, loved every minute of it! Please let me know if you do another local panto next year as I am definitely coming!

Linda Lillico

Fab! A camp tour de force! Well done on a brilliant show!

Darren Hutchings
PR from Princess Alice's Hospice

Top festive night's entertainment - and settled snow when we came out! What more could you ask for?

Amy Parker

We LOVED it. I really take my hat off to you - dancing and singing in that close a proximity to the audience must be terrifying. AND it was a very funny script with enough double entendres to keep Pete happy.

Kate Thompson

The most fun I have had with my clothes on. I can say no more than that...

Matthew Howard

The family Holmes thought that it was totally brilliant - I grinned from ear to ear the whole way through, the kids thought it was great and Ian loved it too. Well done – you were all really were terrific. Honestly the best and most enjoyable panto we have been to - so great to feel so involved - will there be one next year?

Happy Christmas to you all.

Caroline Holmes

Absolutely brilliant fun.

Toto Patel

Awards

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