PANTO REVIEW

Haven Players CINDERELLA WITH A TWIST!
January 15th – 28th
Stone Cross Memorial Hall
Cinderella With a Twist! Written and Directed by Geoff Baker was a delight. I’ve always felt sorry for Buttons, so it was lovely for him to marry Cinderella, and for Dandini, masquerading as the Prince’s aide, to be able to get her heart’s desire! Thank you for a most enjoyable “twist” to the original story.
The audience were very appreciative of the whole experience and there was plenty of banter with the cast which was ably dealt with and caused great fun. The show opened with a very theatrical rendition of “Who Will Buy” from “Oliver”, which was a great success. There were so many principal parts in the panto, and on this occasion, I am going to mention them all , so here goes:
Fairy Godmother, played by Emma Pierssenne opened the show in true Panto style and portrayed a very jolly and lovable character with very witty rhyming verse!
Cinderella, Sarah Baker was a very charming Cinderella, in looks and voice and thouroughly deserved her happiness at the end. A really professional performance.
Dandini: This was a lovely part to play and Michelle Moon ( as always, the ideal principal boy) was in great voice.
Buttons: A very polished performance from Ben Chaffin as the cheerful Buttons, used his engaging personality to the full.
Diana and Rhea: What a pair of Pantomime Dames! Douglas Dalziel and Clive Hale were quite amazing, with terrific comic timing and looking wonderful in their fantastic costumes, great fun!
Baroness: A wonderfully wicked part to play and Carol Noble, looking so elegant, gave a very steely performance that would frighten anyone!
The Prince: Stephen Edwards’s Prince was a delight with a strong singing voice and was a great foil for Dandini.
Baron Hardunby: Was truly downtrodden but had his day in the end and was portrayed by Colin Atkinson with great character.
Louis Expense and Arlene Screwdriver: Macauley Parker and Charisse Goddard were the definitive panto “comedy pair” and gave great value with their dancing and singing. An hilarious routine with the “Sisters” and great fun with the children in the audience participation. Amy Baker took on the role of Arlene Screwdriver for the second week of the run and gave an equally good performance.
King Charming Sugar and Margaret: Matt Reed and Pam Britten really brought things up to date and gave excellent performances and were great fun.
The chorus supported the principals and added great colour and strength. Choreography by Mo Munday was superb with great dance routines and the costumes were very colourful, for which Diane Baker and her “team” should also be congratulated. It was good to have live music to accompany the show and Mark Dickman as musical Director, added a terrific dimension to the show.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this production and that includes the backstage staff, lighting and sound for producing a slick evening’s entertainment that certainly brightened up a cold winter’s night.

Brenda Gower, regional NODA representative.