It’s hard to beat the sensational atmosphere you get when walking into a packed auditorium at Christmas – and the Grand Opera House York certainly has the grandeur and elegance to support this.
I walked into an extremely busy house, where lots of excited children were rushing to their seats. While the grown-ups sat patiently holding their children’s snacks and spinny, flashy, stick-things (technical term), you could tell they were also secretly looking forward to a night of music, comedy, dancing and madness. And while the show initially began with disappointment at the news that Ken Morley – playing Covonia, one of the ugly sisters – wasn’t attending the performance, the curtain still rose to an eager bunch of theatre-goers.
A WARM WELCOME
A jovial overture opened the show, followed by an explosive entrance (literally) from the Fairy Godmother (Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton) – who was quick to demonstrate her skills as a professional vocalist. Once the fairy tale was introduced, we met the lady herself – Cinderella (played by Milkshake’s Amy Thompson). You could tell she’s a children’s entertainer – the kids in the audience were drawn to her immediately.
The senior dancers were also very good. In fact I don’t quite understand why only a couple of the women (Natalia Lovell and Choreographer Emily Taylor) were professionals. The other senior ladies were performing the same routines at a fantastic standard.
Following this funky and cheerful opening number, was an entrance from magician Paul Daniels’ son, Martin Daniels, as Buttons. I have to admit, I wasn’t too sure what to expect from him as I’d never seen him in front of an audience, but he was phenomenal. He taught the audience how to interact with him through the show, and then went on to perform a song about presents – which was full of surprises and absolutely hilarious. Let’s just say if you’re sat at the front, don’t spend too much time doing your hair.
The highlight of the first act was most definitely the Twelve Days of Christmas, performed by Dandini (Danny Rodgers), Buttons and Calpol. I couldn’t see one member of the audience that wasn’t in hysterics. Keep an eye out for that one.
The curtain came down following a truly enchanting act one finale, featuring a flying horse and carriage and a performance from the Fairy Godmother. This really couldn’t have been any more magical. The children in the audience were mesmerised – and even I felt quite touched by it all.
FUN, FLOSSING AND FLOOR-FILLERS
The second half had just as much excitement and just as many laughs as the first – with a lot of audience participation. The kids loved to see Buttons on the stage, and we were of course treated to some magic tricks. However it was quite unsettling to see just how angry young children get if they feel they’re having the wool pulled over their eyes. You’ll see what I mean – look out for the black and white bunnies. That’s all I’m saying.
The show’s creators worked hard to keep everything relevant and ‘down with the kids’ with an invitation to dance the ‘floss’, a Rihanna floor-filler that went down a storm, and a certain George Ezra record that got everyone clapping.
I have to give full credit, and a humongous round of applause, to Steve Wickenden, who played the other ugly sister, Calpol. Not only was he highly entertaining and witty (with a lot of innuendo that the adults thoroughly enjoyed), but he handled being a lone sister with ease and stamina. In fact, the entire cast responded positively, showing how professional they all are. You wouldn’t have known there were supposed to have been two, and I almost can’t imagine it being any better with its original full cast.
Overall, this pantomime is quite simply impossible not to enjoy. From Martin Daniels’ Vic-Reeves-meets-Stewie-Griffin style comedy to Steve Wickenden’s genuine ability to act and work the audience; to the incredible atmosphere that comes from the children’s awe and admiration – a trip to Cinderella and the Lost Slipper is frankly a necessity to your festive season.
Cinderella and the Lost Slipper runs until Saturday 5th January. Click here for tickets!
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