Who on earth thought it was a good idea to give Sooty a water pistol? You’d have thought they would have learned by now!
The silent headliner is just one of the many glittering big names in this star-studded fairy tale. And right from the outset there is a feeling of something special this year at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal.
This traditional tale boasts such an array of stars it must have been tough to organise the billing. But panto veteran Sooty, with his energetic handler Richard Cadell as Buttons, is the biggest hit with the excited youngsters, who are clearly already counting down to Christmas .
Hilarious Scousers Les Dennis and Connor McIntyre are two of the most revolting Ugly Sisters to grace this stage. You certainly wouldn’t want Michaela and Phelina in your family – although they would surely have benefited from louder boos and hisses from the crowd. Yet they prove far too lovable – and smartly get everyone onside with their top-notch gags and colourful panto costumes.
Gareth Gates is a genuine Prince Charming with the looks and singing voice to makes him irresistible to Hannah Grace Lawson, our put-upon little Cinderella. It’s also great to welcome back Jack McNeill (previously in Nottingham as Peter Pan) as Dandini.
The gags roll in from the off, my own favourite delivered not by the comedians but from Fairy Godmother Kimberley Blake, accusing Buttons of being weak-willed. You’ll have to watch to get the true double-entendre, as it wouldn’t make it into print!
Every character has their chance to shine in the musical numbers and everyone delivers. From Cinders and the Fairy Godmother, through to Prince Charming, Dandini and Buttons, there is a real West End feel to the songs – supported by the amazing orchestra under musical director Steve Price and the energy of the dancing ensemble. Still on the musical theme, a superb unbilled appearance from Sweep threatens to steal the show before we get back on track!
Coupled with the Vegas-style magic and illusions, not least of which makes an impossible finale to the first half, this Christmas we have a show with something for everyone, right down to the classic rib-tickling slapstick “If I were not Upon this Stage”.
This is a five-star panto, the best in years. Get yourself along to see it or you’ll miss out.
Cinderella runs until Sunday, January 5. Tickets start at £18 from the box office, 0115 989 5555 or trch.co.uk.
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