Cinderella is this year’s panto at the Derngate and it will fulfil all your panto needs. It’s laugh out loud funny and is an all singing and dancing extravaganza.
Joanne Clifton plays the fairy who hasn’t earnt her wand and she needs your help. Oh yes, she does. Joanne is a Strictly champion, a world class dancer and worth the ticket price alone to see her dance. Her conga during the ballroom scene was outstanding and shows off her talent beautifully. But Joanne isn’t just a dancer, she is a fabulous singer too.
Buttons is played by Dave Bibby. Dave is extremely funny and can ad-lib for England. I loved his one liners. There was an eight-year-old called Muriel who stated that Cinderella is cooking because she wants to and not because it is a woman’s job. I totally agree but did giggle when Dave mentioned how panto’s have changed in the last few years. The two ugly sisters are a scream. Lidleena is played by Matt Daines and Aldianna is played by Gordon Cooper. Aldi and Lidl get the best lines and the best outfits. So many fabulous ones, I lost count how many changes they had. I loved when they turned into ‘twice daily’ and Claudia (with a fringe so long you couldn’t see) for a Strictly section of the show.
Cinderella was played by Marcavia McCarthy and she is the perfect in the role. Marcavia is a fantastic actress and can sing beautifully. She plays Cinders perfectly as she is sassy, knows her own mind and although she wants love, she wants it on her own terms. Her Prince charming is Marcellus Whyte who is equally the perfect prince. Marcellus has a lovely speaking voice although I did enjoy it when he and Andini played by Cbeebies presenter, Andy Day (I see what they did there), taught each other how to talk like a prince or commoner. (Try saying Air, Hair, Lair). We came out of the show still laughing at that. Andy is so funny, I loved it when he pretended to be the prince. He does a good impression of King Charles and continued it throughout his turn as prince which kept me giggling.
I have to mention Cinderella’s carriage and the horse. I am a grown woman yet can imagine all those young people in the audience, gasping at the magic of a flying carriage. I felt like I was 10 years old again. It was such a magical moment. The ball was spectacular and I loved how it is so current. The dancing went into the ‘Wicked dance’. Now if you have seen the new Wicked film, you will immediately recognise it, if not it may escape you until you are told it’s a wicked ball.
It’s panto season and the Derngate always brings it. With a witty script, laugh out loud jokes (some I had never heard before) and a singing and dancing extravaganza that makes it the magic of panto. It’s Christmas magic!
Cinderella is on at Royal & Derngate until 31 December 2024
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