Review – Cinderella
Date Reviewed: 15th December, 2008
Venue: Stockport Plaza
This year the Stockport Plaza invites everyone to attend Prince Charming’s party in their production of Cinderella. It works, as this show is a ball from beginning to end.
The show is opened by Lisa Riley as the bubbly Fairy Godmother. Surrounded by the animals of the enchanted forest the stage is set for the magical tale. But despite regular appearances the character seems a little underused.
Rodney Ward and Robert Pearce are a good double act as the Ugly Sisters Esmerelda and Drizelda. Over the top from the start, they provide the slapstick comedy throughout. Just occasionally, though, their timing misses the mark; but thankfully this doesn’t distract from the performance. Special credit must be given to their costumes which whilst completely over the top never dominate the proceedings.
For perfect comic timing you need look no further than Martin Daniels’ Buttons. A master of timing and audience participation, he creates an engaging character who is a hit with both children and adults. His one magic trick of the evening created waves of yelling and laughter from the audience, but I can’t tell you why! (Oh no I can’t!)
Naomi Slater (Cinderella) and Nicola Foxfield (Prince Charming) make charismatic and attractive principals. Slater is excellent as the ingenuous Cinders and Foxfield’s Prince makes the perfect foil. Foxfield has the better singing voice, but Slater matches her for power making their duets a real pleasure to listen to.
A special mention must be made of the ‘cabaret’ at the Royal Ball. This act proves that sometimes the old routines are still some of the funniest and provides both the cast members involved and the band with the opportunity of breaking away from the script and just using their sense of fun.
The set moves smoothly from location to location and even the sections in front of a drop cloth are so well done that it distracts from the fact that it’s really there for the major set change going on behind.
Add into the mix, well drawn supporting characters, the ensemble of dancers, the reworked pop songs, gaudy costumes and all the glitz and sparkle possible — and the Plaza offers you a traditional pantomime which leaves you with that warm festive feeling.
-Helen Jones