REVIEW | Cinderella, Nottingham Playhouse
Written by Emmie.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for a review.
Nottingham Playhouse’s very own Adam Penford writes and directs this year’s offering from the UK Theatre Awards 2023 ‘Most Welcoming Theatre’. Cinderella is a firm favourite with families heading out in the cold for their dose of pantomime over the festive period and Nottingham Playhouse has it all and more. Not marketed with big names to get bums on seats, this production is a pantomime fit for its local community and we love that!
Penford’s script has been carefully crafted to ensure this is a show for all ages, with many opportunities for adult humor sprinkled within its flow. The story of Cinderella sits the same with even a nod to the Grimm Fairy Tale in there too. Penford’s writing feels fresher in comparison to other productions, setting the beginning of the story at a carnival was a sound choice.
Nottingham audience favourite John Elkington is back for his 25th year, this time as an Ugly Sister alongside Tom Hopcroft who have an unforgettable relationship with one another in this production. They work incredibly well together from the get-go and are aligned with the return of Danny Hendrix as Buttons - this trio will be a huge hit this season!
Nottingham Playhouse also produces one of the strongest young ensembles, they do an exceptional job at building parts in the storyline without needing older “more experienced” dancers to do it for them. The fact these are all young people within their community is so important in its impact to encourage and inspire future performers too.
This cast collectively is impressive and they each deliver their unique characters to life with bags of energy (I just hope it sustains for the long run!)
Children will love Cinderella for its variety of fun and opportunities to get involved in all of the action - with a water pistol, snow, and an opportunity to help the actors on stage is just a sample of what’s on offer. Children will also be swept away by the magic of pantomime with Cleo Pettitt’s vibrant stage design immersing us into this fairytale world.
Although above everything else, the representation in this production of Cinderella is brilliant. Younger Nottingham audiences will be in awe of seeing Jewelle Hutchinson up there and she gives one of the strongest performances as Cinderella I have ever seen in a pantomime. Her rendition of some of the musical numbers struck a chord with me, she has an exciting career ahead of her that’s for sure.
If you are watching Cinderella be aware this production contains strobe lighting, flashing lights, sudden noises, and theatrical smoke/haze. Nottingham Playhouse does have accessible performances during its run as well as being available on Demand. Head over to their website to find out more.
At Nottingham Playhouse until 13 January 2024.
