REVIEW: One of the best pantos yet…Cinderella!
This year’s panto has to be one of the best yet. From the impressive cast to the captivating stage sets and quirky graphics, 2016 is a treat to be had.
This year’s panto has to be one of the best yet. From the impressive cast to the captivating stage sets and quirky graphics, 2016 is a treat to be had.
The audience of school children (and not so school age) are treated to an opening scene of May McFettridge dressed in all her regala as the Fairy Godmother flying onto the stage on a full moon. In true May style, she whips up the crowd and no-one is safe from her charms, especially the front row.
After the Fairy Godmother has retired backstage, Cinders is revealed. Played by Coleraine woman Jayne Wisener, she is the perfect casting. Fine features and the innocent, ethereal look are the ideal combination to play the oppressed maiden with fairytale dreams of her Prince Charming taking all of her troubles away.
Enter former Pop Idol star Gareth Gates. As Prince Charming’s go, he fits the role aptly and in true Panto style is subjected to numerous quips about his Pop Idol past and rival Will Young. Gareth and Jayne’s harmonies are angelic and compared to May’s vocals, they are truly the most fitting stage couple.
We wouldn’t be doing the show any justice if we didn’t mention this year’s scripting. Pantos are supposed to be funny but this is one that will have both children and adults alike laughing. With local references throughout, there’s a strong home-grown theme the listener can relate to.
One of the most enjoyable scenes has to be the sight of May McFettridge impersonating Honey G, complete with sunglasses, bomber jacket and wig. The sight is one to behold.
A unique combination of slapstick humour, modern contemporary tunes as well as a classical tale re-told with some of the best casting makes 2016’s Cinderella a family event that will have the adults singing along as much as the kids. A must see for Christmas.