Over the last few years, the annual Royal & Derngate pantomime has been produced by Evolution Productions and from the pen of Paul Hendy. It is safe to say they have been crackers, bringing everything you expect and more from traditional pantomime. This year, they are all back, this time with their take on the very traditional story of
Cinderella. So, does the magic dust fall once again successfully on the stage of the Derngate?
The answer is yes, as Evolution and Hendy prove they have found the magic formula to create another successful pantomime for Derngate. There are moments this year, though, where it is too clever for its own good, with some exceptionally good jokes lost to the panto audience (yes, I got the Hacker joke, but the tumbleweed reaction suggested it didn't hit the audience present).
Cast-wise, it is a solid and assured collection of performers who don't always hit the mark. Joanne Clifton, as the Fairy, is a perfect fit for panto with her infectious smile and playfulness, but in the role, she is saddled down a little too much with an overuse of her Strictly world.
Andy Day is every bit as lively as you would expect as Andini due to his CBeebies background, and he rises well above that children's entertainment world in the role.
The Ugly Sisters, brilliantly named Aldianna and Lidleena, played by Gordon Cooper and Matt Daines, are as hideous as you would expect from the roles. Both play off one another in perfectly rehearsed repartee, and many of their costumes (from Michael J Batchelor and Jonathon Arthurs) have to be seen to be believed.
Marcavia McCarthy plays the title character with charm if a bit underwhelming at times. However, writer Hendy gives the role a nice twist, which makes it somewhat different. Here, Cinders is a lot more confident than the downtrodden character she has been portrayed as before, and Hendy works this and other areas into some clever plays against modern feminism and political correctness, which gives some superbly humorous moments as well.
McCarthy does gain more stage presence when she is alongside the superb Marcellus Whyte as Prince Charming during some lovely duets. Whyte lives up to the charm in his character's name and has superb vocals, which are no better showcased than in his performance of Feeling Good.
Dave Bibby is a fun, childish and endlessly enthusiastic Buttons, entertaining the audience, especially the kids. Still, it has to be said that he is at his best when he doesn't have a musical number to perform. The rest of the ensemble provides the courtiers and villagers with typical panto gusto, but special mention to Samuel Stokes' very entertaining villager. Final mention to the delightful and highly skilled Blue Team of performers on stage for the performance, especially the "overconfident" eight-year-old.
Cinderella looks magnificent, with costumes from Helga Wood and excellent set design from Michelle Marden and Stuart Relph. The production design is a visual feast, enhancing the overall experience. Musical director Gary Jerry and his small but talented band provide excellent music and playful interactions.
Cinderella is really excellent entertainment, and I think, at times, I enjoyed it much more than many around me. Both Hendy and Evolution just have that magic touch as far as I am concerned with pantomimes. While this isn't quite as strong as previous years due to a few things not gelling perfectly, it is still a genuinely great bit of seasonal entertainment, and I feel sure to entertain you and the family this December.
A hugely entertaining panto, perfect for all the family this Christmas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Sunday 8th December 2024 (matinee) at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.
Cinderella is on stage at Royal & Derngate until Tuesday, 31st December, 2024.
