Review: Cinderella panto at Norwich Theatre Royal
Colourful sets, sparkly costumes and laugh-out-loud moments brought about some real festive feeling for audiences at this year's Norwich Theatre Royal's pantomime, Cinderella.
The show is packed full of fantastic theatrical numbers, magical moments and lots of silly fun to get you in the Christmas spirit.
This production of the classic fairytale sees the sweet pairing of Kara-Lianne Jones and David Witts, as Cinderella and Prince Charming, fall in love. The duo shared some lovely vocal performances together.
Cinders' father Baron Hardup (David Gant) had some wonderful Shakespearean moments, meanwhile the Fairy Godmother (Richard Gauntlett, also writer and director) was as fabulous and hilarious as ever, and was a welcome sight whenever gracing the stage and in whichever mode of transport that might be!
Gauntlett was instrumental in a impeccably well-choreographed scene at the fairground which received a rousing round of applause from the audience.
Alix Dunmore and Amanda Henderson were very convincing as the fantastically-named ugly stepsisters, Siri and Alexa – the spoilt, overgrown children of the piece who tormented Cinders at every possible moment.
Norwich Theatre Royal panto 2019 - Alix Dunmore as Siri and Amanda Henderson as Alexa. Credit: Richard Jarmy Photography. (24763319)
They also flaunted some incredible costumes throughout the production, as did the panto babes (who also received the biggest 'aww' of the night in their farmyard outfits), so kudos must go to that department.
Not forgetting the hard work the ensemble did to keep the flow of the evening, and the band who produced some fantastic accompaniment for the stars of the stage.
Guests at the press night on Thursday were also in for an extra treat in the shape of a special cameo, as Norwich City legend Grant Holt – who also played for King's Lynn Town for a short time in 2017 – popped up on stage.
But it was Joe Tracini as the loveable Buttons who was the true star of the show with his wonderful comedic moments, and with help from Steve the ukulele.
My five-year-old niece was still giggling over the rain scene, which saw poor Buttons soaked through, long after the curtains had closed.
Cinderella continues its run at Norwich Theatre Royal until Sunday, January 19.
To book tickets, visit theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01603 630000.
