I surprised myself at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre the other day, by calling out to Buttons. I'm usually a bit, shall we say, 'panto-shy'. The rest of the audience, mainly made up of scouts, guides and primary school children were already in full voice, jumping around in their seats and letting off steam (in the nicest possible way), so I thought I'd better join in. After all, 300 school kids can't be wrong!
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| Hesketh-Harvey and Gordon - brazen and very funny |
I don't want to sound churlish about pantos because they bring a lot of joy to a lot of people, but if they follow the classic panto formula they can get a bit samey. Happily not this one - the script, written by Gerry Tebutt and Victoria Jukes, manages to stay traditional without becoming corny or predictable. There are a few hisses and boos and one or two 'It's behind you' but not so many that you start looking for your popcorn and peeping at your watch. Directed by Tebbutt, the pace is fast and the action engaging. A fabulous and (mostly!) young, endearing cast prance around a gorgeous set by Imagine Theatre and wear fabulously opulent costumes by Attle Costumes Ltd.
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| Bonnie Langford - sugar sweet as Fairy Snow |
It's all good clean fun. Bonnie Langford plays the delightful, sugar-sweet Fairy Snow. Bonnie is an extraordinary lady, yes she's a few years older than when we first saw her on Opportunity Knocks but she is still very cute and the kids loved her. (And believe me, Bonnie's still got it - just wait to see who she lands up with at the end of the show!) The children also loved relative newcomers to the stage - lovely Alice Baker as Cinderella and a rather lovely Will Breckin as Dandini. Tom Senior was utterly charming as the Prince and the experienced Robert Maskell played the baron with a confident bat.
But most of all the children loved Buttons, and rightly so. Jamie Brook is completely natural and very lovable as the chirpy faced chappie who is smitten with Cinderella and he is funny without ever being patronising. An inspired addition to the plot involves him writing in his diary about his beloved Cinders which is somehow very touching. (Brook is a panto-nut and is keeping an online diary throughout this production - Brummie Button’s Blog)
But who is the fairest of the them all? - sorry, wrong panto - the fairest of them all and quite brazenly stealing the show are the ugly sisters! Kit Hesketh-Harvey with his sharp features and gravelly voice and the rounder, more cuddly Peter Gordon are a magnificent pair - bringing waves of colour and great humour to an already very jolly show. I found myself waiting with excited anticipation for their entrance. Hesketh-Harvey's amazing, slightly sleazy voice and Gordon's 'Les Dawson pout' will live with me for very a long time!
Surprisingly the first half is short on songs for a panto, but a small but perfectly formed band provide some great tunes and appropriate crashes and bangs. A highlight for me was the inspired 'I'm desperate for a wee' song in Act Two which involved the whole cast dancing feverishly to an Irish jig while queuing for the loo. All fantastically timed and very funny - I just hope they can keep that up for 6 weeks. Like all good pantos there is utter mayhem in the second half that had most of the audience on their feet, or under their seats - so here’s a warning, don't wear your best frock and take a hat!
A thoroughly good and uplifting show - I went home with a spring in my step, feeling warmed and thankful that there is still a place for traditional theatre in the hearts of so many.
Cinderella is at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre until Sunday January 12. Tickets from the box office on 01483 440000 www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
