So, as December draws in, the world of theatre moves into panto season and first up this year is Castle Theatre’s production of
Cinderella, and the deja vu world begins again and we are all crying “He’s behind you” and “Oh no you’re not” etc, etc. Perhaps it is reassuring in a world of change that pantomime land never changes. The jokes might get a little nudge, a few of the characterisations might change a bit, but you all know that we will have a split theatre singalong, a grand wedding at the end and a multitude of stuff you have seen year after year.
Unlike many of the bigger theatres around the country, Castle Theatre, presents a pantomime with no “big name” from the showbiz world in sight, just great little stage performers, and how refreshing it is to see. No awkward bolted-on references to a star's normal day job, just more emphasis on fun characters and the usual sly references to the local towns and villages. That, in itself, is great to see.
The title character is played by the delightful Hayley Johnston, who, once again with a pantomime of Cinderella is given limited material in the show with the best material in the hands of the numerous other characters. What Johnston does have though is lovingly performed and she in particular has some nice moments and musical numbers, as expected, with her Prince Charming, played by Thomas Griffiths.
Griffiths has absolutely the chiselled looks required for the Prince role and a twinkle in the eye. He comes into his own though in his scenes with his servant Dandini, played by the brilliant Jack Trinder. Trinder's antics, particularly alongside Griffiths are among the strongest of the show. No question Trinder is the best performer in the show, be it comic timing, dancing or indeed an impressive singing voice. He is very much made for panto and strengthens every scene he is in.
Looking gloriously garish are Adam Borzone and Gary L. Johnston as Step Sisters Bella and Donna, respectively and they are everything required of the roles. Snide at one another, dressed in a multitude of horrific costumes and have great fun targeting the audience victim for the evening, Alfonso.
Francesca McKean is fun as the Fairy Godmother, but for me, and in my traditional mind, seems too young for the role. Colin Hubb is tremendously creepy in the role of Baron Hardup, and at times, you may wonder if it is too off-the-wall a character and performance. George Dawes gives a solid performance as Cinderella's classic character Buttons, however, it constantly feels as if he cannot match his cast members and their much bolder characters and performances.
Finally, of the cast, special mention to the youngsters of Team Dandini who were on stage for the production I saw. Constantly enthusiastic and mostly not falling over one another, or the set, which often can occur with the required panto children.
There are some fabulous scenes making up the show, but nothing greater than the 12 Days of Christmas anarchic sketch with one particularly brilliant nod to the local area and a magical set issue moment. The whole scene thoroughly entertained the audience; they simply lapped it up and it continued the rich strength and pace of the second act, much pacier than the first.
The script is strong and mostly avoids the vulgar nature of the usual adult jokes that can be shoehorned into a lot of modern pantos, I did feel at times that some were over the edge though. While there are a few modern additions and alterations, it all feels very traditional. Director Martin Cleverley keeps everything moving, particularly, as mentioned, in the second act and the set from UK Productions is the perfect backdrop for the show.
Cinderella, at The Castle Theatre, is an extremely strong start on the local panto trail for 2023 and its basis in more traditional and unshowy star names proves the point that theatre is stronger at its roots and is relatively good value compared to some other local theatres. Highly recommended.
A delightful and generally traditional pantomime that entertains throughout.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Friday 1st December 2023 at Castle Theatre, Wellingborough.
Cinderella runs at Castle Theatre until Sunday 31st December 2023.
Further details about Castle Theatre can be found at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre
