Mr Cinders
In this very amusing inversion of the fairy story, set in the 1920’s, Jim is the down-trodden Cinderella figure. Living at Merton Chase he is the adopted son of Sir George Lancaster and Lady Lancaster. She has two sons, Lumley and Guy, from her previous marriage when she lived at the neighbouring stately home, The Towers. The present owner of The Towers is Henry Kemp, an American millionaire who has a pretty daughter called Jill. To escape from the law in the shape of P.C. Merks after a traffic offence, Jill pretends to be the new maid at Merton Chase.
Lumley gets friendly with Jill’s cousin and companion, Minerva, and Guy is similarly smitten with Phyllis Paterson. An invitation comes from Jill’s father for all at Merton Chase to attend a costume ball at The Towers. Jim is not allowed to attend the ball but Jill, still pretending to be the maid Sarah, persuades him to disguise himself as the celebrated South American explorer, the Earl of Ditcham.
The day of the ball coincides with Jill’s 21st birthday and on that day she inherits the priceless Verity necklace. Lumley reveals, with the help of a newspaper report, that the real Earl of Ditcham sailed for South America that morning, so the disguised Jim is shown to be an imposter.
After Jill has announced that her necklace has been stolen and it is discovered in Jim’s pocket, things couldn’t look blacker for him. However, with Jill’s help he escapes through a secret panel and captures Smith the butler, aka Velvet Victor, the real thief of the necklace. P.C. Merks comes later to Merton Chase looking for the owner of the hat worn by the so-called Earl of Ditcham, who valiantly captured and trussed up the thief.
It is obviously nowhere near the right size for the heads of Lumley or Guy or even Sir George, but it fits Jim perfectly. He wins £1,000 reward and when asked to return the necklace to Mr Kemp’s daughter, Jim is astonished to learn that the maid “Sarah” is really Jill. With engagements announced between Lumley and Minerva, between Guy and Phyllis, and of course between Jim and Jill, all ends happily.
Cast & Creative
Cast List
| Character | Actor |
| Jim | Jonathan Warriss-Simmons |
| Jill | Kerry Magee |
| Lumley | Loz Keal |
| Guy | Simon Willis |
| Minerva | Kerry Sampson |
| Phyllis | Louise Turnbull |
| Henry Kemp | Chris Warden |
| Sir George Lancaster | Charles Halford |
| Lady Agatha Lancaster | Mandy Stenhouse |
| Smith, the Butler aka Velvet Victor | Perry Kitchen |
| Donna Lucia | Nicky Bradbury |
| PC Merks | Wesley Henderson-Roe |
| Chorus | Nicky Bradbury |
| Chorus | Jenny Corbin |
| Chorus | Joanne Epps |
| Chorus | Juliet Manners |
| Chorus | Louise Vinter |
| Chorus | Sian Walters |
| Chorus | Dan Brent |
| Chorus | Guy Chaperlin |
| Chorus | Marc Evans |
| Chorus | Tim Parish |
Creative Team
| Role | Name |
| Director | Clare Henderson-Roe |
| MD | Janet Simpson |
| Choreographer | Edz Barrett |
| Production Manager | Lottie Walker |
| Stage Manager | Eric Williams |
| Deputy Stage Manager | Claire Williams |
| Lighting Designer | Ed Pagett |
| Set Designer | Wesley Henderson-Roe |
| Wardrobe | Zoe Harvey Lee |
| Props | Lynne Shirley |
| Wigs, Hair & Make‐up | Louise Turnbull |
Reviews & Awards
SWAN Awards
- Winner of SWAN Award Best Supporting Female in a Musical – Kerry Sampson
- Winner of SWAN Award Best Musical Nominated for SWAN Award Best Male Performer in a Musical – Jonathan Simmons
- Nominated for SWAN Award Best Female Performer in a Musical – Kerry Magee
- Nominated for SWAN Award Best Supporting Female in a Musical – Louise Turnbull
Mr Cinders is not merely a role reversal of the traditional panto story but a sound musical in its own right. Whilst at first, Mr Cinders may seem twee and dated and yes it is but that also is its charm. BROS made a really good fist of this endearing piece and not only were the principals strong but sub principals made their mark too with some genuinely quirky characterisations.
I am always surprised why Mr Cinders is not done more often by amateur musical societies, especially societies who perform more than one show a year. It tends to make perennial long lists but seldom actually gets selected. It compares favourably with similar shows of the era and the genre, such as; The Boyfriend, Salad Days and Free as Air. It has a vast assortment of characters as BROS so demonstrably proved as well as having plenty of business and ‘nice frock’ opportunities for the ensemble. You feel as though you know the music although you don’t and yet it has a great song as a hook in ‘Spread a Little Happiness’. I think people get put off by the title, thinking it to be a re-make of Cinderella with a fellow in the leading role.
Essentially it is, with the cruel step-brothers and a ball, however I doubt anyone would notice the similarity if they didn’t know the show’s title. As you can tell I am a fan of the show having played Jim some ten years ago (in my slimmer days).
The set was very pleasing on the eye had just the right amount of scenery and props to be interesting but not to clutter and slow down changes from scene to scene. I particularly like the tasteful use of pillars and plants to show there was money around the place. I think for me the most pleasing aspect of this BROS production was the feel good factor. It had it in spades. This was a cast who really worked as a team and whilst the main principals usually get the accolades, for me this was a true ensemble piece with each individual portraying their own character and making a wonderful job of it. Some of the ensemble were relatively new to the stage and their lack of stagecraft showed at times and there were moments of awkwardness but because of the nature of the piece, it seemed to work. I think much of this positive atmosphere must be a tribute in particular to your Director, Clare Henderson Roe but also your choreographer Edz Barrett. The vision was there, the direction was there and with the skills of the cast, BROS produced another winner! I don’t think any society produces these ‘mid size’ musical productions any better than BROS.
Technically, the show was extremely sound. Your Lighting plot worked well to brighten and invigorate the predominantly outdoor feel. I felt the lovely Band under Musical Director Janet Simpson could have done with a boost. I know many of your patrons wouldn’t have liked louder music but I felt it needed another 10% to give it that wow factor. All the costumes worked a treat and looked very much in keeping with the time.
There are too many named principals to comment on individually and this was a true ensemble production but I have written a few notes on some of the lead principals who all had challenging parts, in programme order;
Lumley Lancaster – Lawrence Keal – Lawrence was suitably smug and pompous as the vile Lumley. He revelled in his bullying of Jim
Phyllis Patterson – Louise Turnbull – I’ve mentioned Louise from the couples if you like because she found a gem of a ‘ok yah’ character and carried it through beautifully
Guy Lancaster – Simon Willis – A relative newcomer who seemed to slip into the gentry rather easily. Simon did remind me of the odd prince or earl who turns up on telly and seems to be somewhat distant.
Sir George – Charles Halford – We felt for Charles as he rankled with the brothers whilst trying to give Jim a fair chance. Again the pomposity was much in evidence but in a refined way.
Lady Agatha – Mandy Stenhouse – Lady Agatha is a nice part to play – the battleaxe role. Mandy had her work cut out trying to keep everyone under her control.
Jim Lancaster – Jonathan Simmons – Jonathan has boyish good looks and a rather inexperienced feel about him which makes him ideal for this role. He coped admirably with those awful puns and the ridiculously difficult ‘On the Amazon’ song.
Henry Kemp – Chris Warden – Chris was suitably loud and in your face as you would expect from an American character. This was a good portrayal of a part which can be a bit one dimensional.
Smith – Perry Kitchen – A small but pivotel role from Perry, proving that it usually is the butler who did it.
Jill Kemp – Kerry Magee – Kerry is very engaging on stage and this was a role that really suited her. Kerry has a pleasant singing voice and moves very well.
Minerva Kemp – Kerry Sampson – Another strong portrayal – Kerry vamped her way through as the cousin and seemed to be enjoying every minute
PC Merks – Wesley Henderson Roe – This was a little gem of a cameo. It came out of the blue for me and was so crazy that in amongst the total madness it really worked. Well done.
Donna Lucia – Lynne Shirley – This is by know means an easy part to play. Lynne did very well, to have to wait until half way through Act 2 for your entrance and then you have a large quantity of dialogue which you must lead and Jim merely follows, is to say the least tough. I must congratulate the entire and ensemble and creative team as this was a show that I was very glad I got the chance to see – well done to you all!