'Cinderella' Review
Jane McGowan enjoys a Strictly sensational evening!
Our verdict
craig sugden
Raucous, rip-roaring and a little racy in places, this sensational Cinderella, is a must-see this Christmas.
The show’s big name is Craig Revel Horwood - the Strictly Come Dancing judge and theatrical impresario who plays the Wicked Stepmother (aka Baroness Demonica Hardup) with aplomb. He is more than ably assisted by the magnificent magician Pete Firman, who is pure panto gold. His comic timing and mind-blowing illusions as the lovelorn but always affable Buttons are worth the ticket price alone.
Alongside them are a cast of super talented folk who sing, dance and deliver throughout.
The show is of course, Strictly themed.
Ugly sisters Tess and Claudia (played by Catherine Morris and Leanne Jones) are fabulous foils for the Baroness and there are plenty of references to Mr Revel Horwood’s roles on the flagship entertainment show. He also gets to take part in several big song (a very capable voice too) and dance numbers before the evening is out.
The first half sets the scene and as ever, we are introduced to the array of characters who populate Hardup Hall and its surrounding area. There are plenty of digs about the South West London suburb which the locals lapped up!
The jokes come thick and fast, some a little near the mark - my teenage daughter, raised her eyebrows a couple of times, but hey its panto and they were certainly well-received by the packed house.
Cinderella (former X Factor contestant Cassie Compton) and musical theatre newcomer Solomon Davy were excellent as the romantic leads, with Cassie exuding a warmth that meant we really rooted for her and Solomon, providing an exceedingly charming and talented Prince, who certainly won the hearts of the audience.
The ‘transformation’ scene at the end of the act is truly spectacular and while I won’t give any spoilers... the technical wizardry is truly something to behold, giving you plenty to talk about throughout the interval.
The second half begins with the ‘ball’ where we get to see more of the dancers’ ample skills, thanks to some excellent choreography from Lizzie Gee. The action fairly rattles along and following several madcap (and often improvised) moments and some genuinely heart-warming audience participation (again at the hands of the masterful Mr Firman). the mystery of the beautiful stranger and the glass slipper is resolved and everyone, of course lives happily ever after!
Presented by Crossroads Pantomimes, everything about this take on Cinderella screams professionalism. From the super sparkly sets to the lavish costumes, no detail has been overlooked. The show is magical from start to finish thanks to a genuinely joyful cast, a spot of technical complexity that draws gasps (and a few unbelieving tears) from the audience, giving you a Cinderella which is slick, shiny and simply FAB-U-LOUS!
Cinderella is at the New Wimbledon Theatre, until January 7. For tickets, head to atgtickets.com
