Review: CINDERELLA, Kings Theatre Portsmouth
I may not personally be from Portsmouth myself but even I know of the Pompey Panto’s reputation! Last night saw the official opening of this year’s Christmas offering from the King’s Theatre, Cinderella, featuring a few familiar faces from previous years, including the ever popular Jack Edwards as the Fairy Godmother.
Frank Matcham’s theatre is a wonder in itself and it’s pre-show lighting state alone showcases the auditorium at its best. Dubbed “the godmother of all South Coast pantos”, this panto has been adapted by Edwards and Chief Executive Officer Paul Woolf, and directed competently by Will Kenning. There’s Pompey jokes aplenty (many of which went over my head) but the locals lapped it up! The set, designed by Evolution Productions and the Kings Theatre, looks beautiful on the venue’s stage and the Act One finale is a real visual treat, even if it has been done many times before.
There is nothing particularly new or groundbreaking with this show but it is a good, solid, traditional, festive production. Most of the gags land as they should but only a few performances into the run, the dialogue could do with some tightening up and pace quickened, which would slightly condense the first half’s run time.
The first act was even longer last night due to an unfortunate 15-minute show stop due to sound issues. However, Edwards stepped into the limelight to keep the audience updated in the best way he knows how: with warmth and wit. He more than carries the show and is an out-and-out professional. The Disney gag in particular is so slick on Edwards’ part; Joe Rowntree as Buttons (brilliantly reminiscent of Bobby Davro) just needs to not give away the punch lines visually before vocally.
Michelle Antrobus from ITV’s Grease Is The Word is an immense talent. She is everything you’d want from a leading lady and showcases phenomenal vocals, especially during ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, where Alex Musgrave really goes to town with the lighting (plus superb cueing from the DSM). Antrobus is picture perfect alongside First Dates’ Grant Urquhart as Prince Charming. He too has a lovely vocal tone which it would have been great to hear more of; just a little more presence is needed to complete his performance.
Ben Ofoedu, or “Mr Vanessa Feltz”, revelled in his role as Dandini, truly coming into his own and being most comfortable when performing ‘Turn Around’, his 90’s single with Phats & Small - tune! It will be in your head for hours afterwards, Besties! You also can’t help but love to hate Ugly Sisters Harry Howle (Nutella) and Julia Worsley (Polyfilla) who, whilst a little unbalanced as a duo initially, really find their feet as the show progresses.
A fun-filled, camp and generally good night out.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Cinderella runs at the King’s Theatre Portsmouth until 31 December, with tickets available here.
