REVIEW | A Very Very Bad Cinderella, The Other Palace
Imelda Warren-Green, Veronica Green and May Tether - The Very Very Bad Cinderella - Photo Credit Danny KaanWritten by Eleanor
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Please note that this show includes frequent strong language, sexual references and innuendo, drug references, audience participation, loud noises and flashing lights.
A Very Very Bad Cinderella is a retelling of the classic fairytale, but not as you’ve heard it before! This time it is the two stepsisters who have their hands on the script, and they want to tell it ‘as it really happened.’ As Fanny (Veronica Green) and Vajayjay (Imelda Warren-Green) prepare for the Ball, their plans to thwart Cinderella’s (May Tether) attendance fail. But who will be the one whose foot fits the crystal croc and gets to marry the Prince (Keanna Bloomfield)?
This was my first experience of an adult panto, and I absolutely loved it. Crammed full with up-to-date references to theatre and pop culture, A Very Very Bad Cinderella was fast-paced, fun and a great way to get into the festive spirit.
On entering the Studio at The Other Palace, I was instantly struck by the bedazzled set (designed by Reuben Speed) adorned with disco balls and silver toilets. This simple and glitzy design was contemporary and perfectly matched the mood of the show. The production team aimed to defy expectations, and it certainly was not what I was expecting! The traditional costumes (also brilliantly designed by Reuben Speed) have also had a modern twist, clearly influenced by another recent take on the Cinderella story. The sister’s ball outfits truly reflect their larger-than-life personalities, while giving them the room to undertake some amusing choreography. Again, clear inspiration has been taken from modern culture and fashion which perfectly matched the fairly contemporary set list of parody songs.
Writers Neil Hurst and Jodie Prenger have saturated A Very Very Bad Cinderella with musical references for seasoned theatregoers and newcomers alike. From Waitress and Six to Hamilton and Hadestown, you can tell this show has been written by people ingrained within the industry and who adore it. The mention of Sunset Boulevard in particular goes to show that the script is up-to-date, but it was one scene that quickly reeled off a combination of old and new titles that really made me laugh. But the show does also include humorous references to pop culture and would be enjoyed by a wider audience, although it is definitely aimed at a stagy crowd.
The casting choices for this adult panto were just excellent. Drag Queen Veronica Green was fabulous and ferocious as Fanny. Her adlibs with the audience were so funny, especially during a short audience participation segment. Imelda Warren-Green as the other stepsister Vajayjay was side-splittingly good, with her chosen voice making even a seemingly normal line incredibly funny. The two together were a great pairing. May Tether’s portrayal of Cinderella was instantly likeable and down to earth. This character gave her the opportunity for a number solos which were perfectly pitched. The cast is then completed with Keanna Bloomfield in the remaining roles of Buttons and the Prince. She gave a great opener to the show, really setting the tone, and brilliantly lead the interaction with the audience. She also has some great one liners and one section of very difficult dialogue – all skilfully delivered.
A Very Very Bad Cinderella was an evening of riotous fun, perfect for every theatregoer. Their parodies of pop songs and musical theatre numbers were spot on and I was laughing all the way through. I really would recommend a visit to The Other Palace if you have the chance.
A Very Very Bad Cinderella is running at The Other Palace from 7 December - 7 January (Age recommendation is 16+).
