Cinderella

"Cinderella" by Spotlight Theatre.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

So, here we are, my first panto of 2024. "Oh yes it is!"

With pantomimes everybody knows the story of every classic pantomime, so I don't need to tell you what "Cinderella" is all about, now do I?

Tilly Wishart plays Cinderella as traditional as fish and chips, none of this very modern Cinders, very traditional, just the way it should be. Having seen Tilly in several productions over the years, I know what a lovely voice she has, which is showcased on many of the songs featured in this year's panto.

The role of Prince Charming is shared by Shantana Bhumbra and Oliver Smith. On Saturday afternoon I watched Shan. In contrast to the traditional Cinderella, this Prince Charming was relatively trendy, and that reflected the modern songs that Shan got to sing. Shan has a great voice, with just a bit of soulful huskiness. He's had a busy year stage wise, and this role is just perfect to round the year off with.

Laura Thurman returns to Spotlight Theatre's pantomimes playing the Fairy Godmother. It is so lovely to see Laura back where she belongs, as FG she's there to right all the wrongs, her script is delivered all in rhymes, ensuring we all have the best of times. Her smile will shine and her eyes will glisten, and you get the laughs, but you'll have to listen. Her vocals are tingling, they'll warm up your blood, in short this lady is back here for good (hopefully). 

Luca Smith is Buttons. This character requires so much energy and that is what Luca brings to the role. This character is really down with the kids and gets the audience participation going without much effort at all. That energy also crosses over to her dancing and singing in this panto; a really fun character, who just happens to play a really fun character.

Joe Butler plays Baroness Hardup. Oh, I love Joe, and I know that Joe loves playing roles like this. Wonderfully wicked and laps up every boo that comes her way. This is panto villainy at its' best.

Our two Step Sisters, Wilma and Betty, are played by Mike Pearson and JK Smith. I have seen Mike in his role as Dame and Ugly Sister many times and he has absolutely mastered this role. Every move he makes is as if it comes from within because playing this character is almost second nature. He certainly gives other panto Dame/Sister characters around Nottingham a run for their money.

I really can't remember seeing JK play this kind of role in the past, but it really does suit him. Think of Les Dawson's Ada Shufflebottom, and that's who JK reminded me of. It's that voice he has where he doesn't really try to disguise his male voice that makes this character so funny, well for me anyway. This coupling with Mike are well matched and if you're wondering where Wilma and Betty may ring a bell, their initial costumes may just remind you!

Dandini is played by Patrick McChrystal. Another stalwart of panto, and often involved behind the scenes in other productions for Spotlight. One thing that I enjoy seeing are regulars mixing in with newer actors, because that's what keeps panto fresh, and with Patrick you know that you're in for a quality role. There's a nice chemistry with Patrick and Shan which makes you believe that these two are close panto pals as Prince and his manservant. Some lovely comedy scenes with this pair as well, especially with Dandini being slightly posher than the Prince.

Mozzarella is another part shared by Hemi Lewis and Daisy Donoghue. Hemi took centre stage this afternoon, with Daisy being in the ensemble. This is another fun character, Mozzarella by the way being a mouse, if you hadn't guessed. Mozz knows everyone in this panto and knows them all by their initials - FG (Fairy Godmother), PC (Prince Charming), you get the idea. Another lit character role with plenty of rizz who is down with the kids.

The adult ensemble consist of Daisy Donoghue, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Jess Henley-Marshall, Lucy Horton, Tegan King, Hemi Lewis and Zoe Turton. Great energy from this group, and so full of smiles as well. You can tell that they enjoy being in panto as much as we enjoy watching them.

There are two Children's groups, Team Pumpkin and Team Slipper, I saw Team Pumpkin on Saturday afternoon. They were Jess Blackham, Hattie Duffin, Orla Donohoe, Olivia Finch, Sarah Fisher, Grace Moroziuk, Elismae Naude, Emma Price, Ella Rhodes, Clio Wilkinson-Dunstan, Evie Andrew, Harry Keiller, Isobel Lucas and Esmie Smith-Cockayne. If Team Slipper provide as much entertainment as Team Pumpkin do, then whichever team you see you'll be blown away by their talent.

Written and Directed by Amanda Hall, well, I don't really need to say much more do I? When you go out to the shops and you see a tin of beans with Heinz on, you know you're getting quality before you even open the tin. Same here, you see Amanda's name attached, quality is assured. 

Choreographed by Charlotte Barrington and Megan Leahy. This panto is a dance fest. From the opening number right to the final Christmas song, and I'm not giving anything away about the music choices except to say there are some real bangers in here which have some cracking choreography, it'll make you want to shut up and dance with anyone tonight, you definitely won't need any help with that. Look, what I am trying to say is that your feet will be tapping throughout. The ensemble choreography was wonderful, and there was one little lad, who was quite rightly put up front and centre this afternoon, who really threw everything into his choreography. Congrats to Charlotte and Megan for a fantastically choreographed show. You should be proud of your students.

Musical Director is Patrick McChrystal. There were some brilliant vocal performances and some excellent song choices ranging from sixties pop to modern dance numbers, and of course the usual smattering of musical theatre numbers. Patrick has been a vocal coach for many years now and really knows how to get the best out of these performers.

Set Designer is by Amanda Hall, Laura Ellis and Mike Pearson. I think the only thing missing from this set is glitter because everything else is there.

The costumes are designed by Spotlight Theatre Arts CIC and Sophie Petruccio-Hall, and weren't they marvellous? Take my word for it; in fact, don't take my word for it, go and see what brilliant costumes, and the number of costumes there are in this panto. Glitter and glamour, and the conversion from Cinders scullery maid costume to the Prince's Ball costume was absolutely magical.

Sound design is by Rob Ketteridge. Now like all the other well-known names at the Arts Theatre, you see Rob's name in the programme at the start of the show and you know that you're in for a well balances and clear sound. No disappointment in that field, no missed mic cues and a lovely crisp sound which was well balanced with the vocals.

Lighting design by Oliver Read. Once again, as above. What this man does not know about lighting design is not worth knowing. Great lights and lighting effects adding to the magic of this production. Lighting operated skilfully by George Wilson along with Follow Spot Operators Cathy Bodman and Matthew Allcock. That job by the way is not as simple as it sounds or looks!

There are a lot of people involved on stage with panto, so it's really important to have a Stage manager who knows what they are doing. Enter Laura Ellis, and Deputy Stage Manager Nigel Newton, who made sure that everyone and everything was where they should be, maintaining the flow of the stage.

Fairy Godmother and Buttons chatted to the four youngsters who came up on stage and presented the quartet with goody bags, and there was a parody of Black Lace's "Agadoo" which had a topical panto reworking just to keep the audience bouncing along nicely just before the big wedding scene. 

Lots of music, dancing, fun and magic, and the jokes weren't that bad either, all wrapped up in a cracker of a show lasting a little over two hours. As usual, thoroughly recommended for the whole family. What a way to start Christmas!