"Seaside Shenanigans: Cinderella Review"
In a season marked by frosty weather and festive cheer, a refreshing panto has emerged to banish any thoughts of a white Christmas. Joe Tracini's script for "Cinderella" at Norwich Theatre Royal is a traditional treat that packs plenty of laughs, eye-catching costumes, and a dash of modern whimsy.
The story begins in the seaside town of Crabbington Sands, where Aimee Leigh's breezy choreography brings to life a colorful cast of characters. The infamous duo, Lou and Lav, are perfectly captured by Owen Evans and Kenny Moore as two outrageous sisters who could have stepped straight out of a tacky postcard. Their outrageous costumes – including a beach ball-shaped dress and wigs that resemble fishing netting – are sure to raise an eyebrow or two.
Georgia May Foote shines in the title role, bringing a relatable everygirl quality to Cinderella as she navigates her unhappy home life with her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. However, Foote's character is somewhat one-dimensional, leaving some moments feeling slightly underdeveloped. Her romance with Prince Buttons (played by Danny Hatchard) feels similarly lacking in depth, with the two struggling to ignite a spark.
The production boasts some genuine highlights, including a sidesplitting rendition of "Shoe Must Go On" that features Jeevan Braich's Dandini belting out a show-stopping number. Braich is undoubtedly the standout performer in this cast, with his rich voice and charisma commanding attention on stage. His big number after the interval is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Hannah-Jane Fox makes a pleasant appearance as the flailing fairy godmother, struggling to keep her magic intact amidst some awkward lyrical missteps. Meanwhile, Andrew Lynford's energetic performance as the director brings warmth and enthusiasm to every scene, making even the most basic jokes seem genuinely funny.
Overall, "Cinderella" is a festive treat that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. While it may not be the most complex or sophisticated panto, its sheer energy and joy make up for any shortcomings. With Braich's Dandini shining bright, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages until January 4th at Norwich Theatre Royal.
In a season marked by frosty weather and festive cheer, a refreshing panto has emerged to banish any thoughts of a white Christmas. Joe Tracini's script for "Cinderella" at Norwich Theatre Royal is a traditional treat that packs plenty of laughs, eye-catching costumes, and a dash of modern whimsy.
The story begins in the seaside town of Crabbington Sands, where Aimee Leigh's breezy choreography brings to life a colorful cast of characters. The infamous duo, Lou and Lav, are perfectly captured by Owen Evans and Kenny Moore as two outrageous sisters who could have stepped straight out of a tacky postcard. Their outrageous costumes – including a beach ball-shaped dress and wigs that resemble fishing netting – are sure to raise an eyebrow or two.
Georgia May Foote shines in the title role, bringing a relatable everygirl quality to Cinderella as she navigates her unhappy home life with her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. However, Foote's character is somewhat one-dimensional, leaving some moments feeling slightly underdeveloped. Her romance with Prince Buttons (played by Danny Hatchard) feels similarly lacking in depth, with the two struggling to ignite a spark.
The production boasts some genuine highlights, including a sidesplitting rendition of "Shoe Must Go On" that features Jeevan Braich's Dandini belting out a show-stopping number. Braich is undoubtedly the standout performer in this cast, with his rich voice and charisma commanding attention on stage. His big number after the interval is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Hannah-Jane Fox makes a pleasant appearance as the flailing fairy godmother, struggling to keep her magic intact amidst some awkward lyrical missteps. Meanwhile, Andrew Lynford's energetic performance as the director brings warmth and enthusiasm to every scene, making even the most basic jokes seem genuinely funny.
Overall, "Cinderella" is a festive treat that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. While it may not be the most complex or sophisticated panto, its sheer energy and joy make up for any shortcomings. With Braich's Dandini shining bright, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages until January 4th at Norwich Theatre Royal.