Review: CINDERELLA, Belgrade Theatre Coventry
Panto season is in full swing, Besties! And you’re invited to a Royal Ball at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry this year, to witness Cinderella as the belle of the ball, to witness all of her dreams come true and finally put her Wicked Step Sisters in their rightful place.
Written by Iain Lauchlan (who also takes on the role of Step Sister Flatula), the script is a pleasant telling of the classic fairytale. There are plenty of comedy innuendos for the adults, magic for the kids and boo/hiss moments for the whole family.
Andy Hockley joins Lauchlan as Step Sister Aroma, and both are just delightful to watch! They make a great team, whether it’s picking their future husbands from the audience or meeting the challenges of shaving foam on stage, they have a great rapport between them, with the other characters and most importantly with the audience.
Emma Mulkern is Fairy Godmother/Wicked Stepmother, instantly likeable and detestable as is appropriate. She has a great stage presence and her interactions throughout appear brilliantly effortless. Craig Hollingsworth is back as Buttons of course, providing magic and laughter in a perfect mix for the story.
It’s such a high standard of performance that it’s incredible to discover that Holly Topping as Cinderella, and Cameron Gabriel, Lydia Bell and Megan Cook as Ensemble are all making their professional debuts! It’s great to see the Ensemble having such involvement in the production; their characterisation and vocal talent is great to see (no miming to backing tracks in this one, guys!)
Ian Westbrook’s set design is just sensational. It’s vibrant colours and clever design completes the perfect production to begin your seasonal viewing.
We honestly have to say that this is one of the best pantomimes we have seen (and believe us Besties, we have seen a fair few!) It has everything in just the right amount - jokes, boos, creative storytelling, audience participation and silliness!
It’s a must to get yourselves to the Belgrade this holiday season - a wonderful, magical production!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
Cinderella plays at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until 13 January 2024, with further information here.