Ready to swap your snow boots for flip-flops? This Cinderella panto ditches the pumpkin carriage for a seaside escape! Joe Tracini’s sun-drenched reimagining, set in the whimsical Crabbington Sands, is a pastel-hued explosion of fun. Think less ballgowns, more beach balls – literally. Kirsteen Wythe’s costumes are a neon dream (sunglasses recommended!), with Cinderella’s stepsisters, Lou and Lav, sporting outfits that scream ‘saucy postcard’ come to life. Imagine a dress shaped like a beach ball and a hat that’s basically a bucket and spade – you get the picture.
But beneath the glitter and giggles, there’s a touch of bittersweet. Cinderella, played by Georgia May Foote, carries the weight of her parents’ loss, their hotel now a silent reminder. Her yearning for adventure is beautifully captured in a heartfelt rendition of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. Foote brings a warm, big-sister energy to the role, especially in her interactions with the young audience. However, her chemistry with the Prince (Danny Hatchard) feels more like a lukewarm wave than a tidal wave of romance. And this is the part most people miss... While Hatchard walks the fine line between buffoon and charming, the script leaves Cinderella a tad too bland, making their love story feel a little... meh.
Here’s where it gets controversial: This panto is as traditional as a Christmas turkey, complete with all the trimmings. Owen Evans and Kenny Moore steal the show as the wicked sisters (no stepmother in sight!), delivering laughs that range from groan-worthy to genius. Think a ‘Shoe Must Go On’ gameshow featuring the iconic slipper and a chorus of monks belting out Ring My Bell. Yes, you read that right. Tracini himself is a highlight, especially as an ‘air friar’ dangling from a rope, sending the kids into a frenzy.
Hannah-Jane Fox’s fairy godmother is a delightful twist – a pink-haired enchantress whose magic is fading, leaving her couplets hilariously unrhymed. It’s a clever touch in a script that thankfully avoids the cringe of adults trying too hard to sound ‘down with the kids’. But here’s where it gets controversial... While the first half sparkles, the second half fizzles out like a deflating balloon. The plot rushes to a conclusion, leaving you wishing for a grand finale worthy of this seaside spectacle.
Jeevan Braich’s Dandini deserves more than just a cameo. Fresh off his Starlight Express triumph, his rich voice commands attention, particularly in a show-stopping number after the interval. Yet, his talent feels underutilized, a missed opportunity in a production that otherwise shines with Andrew Lynford’s vibrant direction.
So, is this Cinderella worth the trip to Crabbington Sands? Absolutely. It’s a breezy, feel-good escape that’ll leave you grinning – even if your ears are ringing from the kids’ cheers. But here’s the real question: Can a panto be both delightfully traditional and daringly fresh? Let us know what you think in the comments – and don’t hold back!
