REVIEW | Cinderella, Gala Theatre Durham
Written by Stacy
Disclaimer: We were invited to watch this performance in return for an honest review.
The days are getting shorter and the nights are drawing in darker - which can only mean one thing....panto is upon us! And what better way to start the season than with the Durham Gala's production of Cinderella?
Bursting into full song and dance the show sweeps you straight up with high energy in an opening number that sets the precedent for what is to come. Enter Jude Nelson, in the role of Buttons, bringing the comedy, the calamity and that little bit of magic. Nelson took to this role with natural charm and charisma to bring the most likeable Buttons to life. With a tough crowd to tackle (most unusual for a Saturday night in the North East) the lack of audience response did not slow down the energy that she brought to the role once. From a storyline perspective, I missed the usual Buttons and Cinderella interaction, from the unrequited love scenes to the mock ball routines. However, these plot omissions did not detract from the production as a whole.
Speaking of storylines, the narrative stayed true to the traditional fairytale that we all know. It was the panto tropes that took a unique turn. From the placement of the take-off scene to the unusual characters involved in the slop scene, it's clear this production is shaking up the order of the day and the variations were a welcomed change to the normal.
The cast worked well together and it's evident they were all having a ball on stage. Voices were strong, acting en point and the dancers were full of style, technically sound and filled with personality. I particularly appreciated the dual roles that each dancer undertook - from stepping into larger shoes, such as Dandini (Josh Betteridge) or Pipsqueak (Daniel Butcher), the talking mouse, with a penchant for a cheese joke or ten to villagers with interactive dialogue. This utilised the ensemble to the best of their ability and the role switches from dancer to character were undertaken with seamless ease.
Ella (Charlotte Bradley) is your fairytale princess, wholesome, sweet and with the right amount of sass and gumption needed for a modern audience. Prince Ambrose (Lewis Kennedy) was royal and regal in stature, which was followed up with a Geordie accent and a goofy nature to give this stock character much-needed substance. The step trio of mother and daughters were realised for a contemporary audience. From a stepmother (Kris Manuel) who was missing the narrative material needed for true evil, but certainly brought the house down with every musical number. Through to step sisters Monophobia (Sarah Boulter) and Philophobia (Rosie Stancliffe) who acted their socks off but I found myself sympathising with their situation, rather than throwing boos in their direction. Extra props go to Jessica Brady as the Fairy Godmother. From singing to acting, to all-round stage presence she gave it all and shone brighter than the moon she flew in on.
The costumes and sets were simple in nature and straight out of a story book which worked well for the production. Sometimes costumes and sets can fight against the performers to stand out. But these simpler designs allowed the show and the performers to speak for themselves.
Durham Gala's Cinderella is wholesome fun for the whole family. Children will fall in love with Buttons, Pipsqueak and the magic that panto brings. Adults will love the spectacle as a whole and a cheese joke or two. So grab your tickets as this is one ball you don't want to miss.
At Gala Theatre Durham until 6 January 2024.
