There’s nothing quite like a good panto to get you in the festive mood (oh no there isn’t) and with a great big dollop of comedy, a smattering of rock and roll tunes and a sprinkling of fairy dust you’ve got all the ingredients for a successful show.
And Theatr Clwyd’s production of Cinderella doesn’t disappoint.
The cast of ten ensure the rags to riches tale of how poor old Cinders (Nicola Martinus-Smith) meets her Prince Charming (Joe Vetch) is an absolute delight.
From the moment the curtain is lifted the audience is fully involved and it doesn’t take long for the room to be filled with shouts of “he’s behind you”.
Panto favourite Phylip Harries makes the show a laugh a minute as Cinderella’s father, Baron Hardup, with some groan-inducing jokes.
The veteran does a brilliant job of disguising some near to the knuckle gags which had the adults roaring with laughter but safely went over the heads of children.
However as a firm believer that pantos can live or die on the strength of the dame, I have to admit I was disappointed not to see Harries in his usual role – after all, he is arguably one of the best dames to ever tread the boards.
But not to fear Dan Bottomley and Alex Parry make a fantastic pairing as the ugly sisters.
The duo are wickedly funny and their rendition of “It’s Raining Men” is one of the highlights of the first half – although the faint-hearted may be put off dating for life after watching the pair’s calamitous efforts to snare Prince Charming.
No panto would be complete without the baddie and Amy Penston as evil stepmother Rubella De Zees doesn’t disappoint.
Penston has the audience booing and hissing almost immediately and her vocals are absolutely stunning.
Denbigh’s Daniel Lloyd didn’t have far to travel to take up the role of rock god Dandini and he soon had the audience hooked with his powerful voice and gyrating hips.
But for me, the star of the show is undoubtedly James Haggie who plays the lovable but dopey Buttons.
With his squeaky voice he has the audience in the palm of his hands from the moment he steps on stage and has the audience in stitches with his silly remarks which often earn him a whack around the chops by Baron Hardup.
What makes the show even more remarkable is the fact the cast all play their own musical instruments including guitar, keyboards, flute and saxophone.
Once again designer Judith Croft has pulled a blinder with the set which as ever is a work of art which coupled with fantastic costumes and special effects made the whole production truly magical.
You won’t want to miss this year’s panto at Theatr Clwyd – in fact you’re sure to have a ball.
Cinderella: The Panto with Soul runs until January 23. Tickets available online or the box office on 01352 701521.
