Last week – courtesy of Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – I escaped to the magical world that is pantoland.
Cinderella, staring former Blue Peter presenter and 2007 Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist Gethin Jones as Prince Charming, offered a very audience pleasing few hours of glitz and glamour and gold brocade with a definite Strictly meets Cinders theme.
From the aptly named ugly sisters Alesha (Peter Gordon) and Arlene (Gerry Tebbutt) to a wonderful Strictly-style dance competition at the royal ball presented by ‘Bruce’ aka Buttons (Lloyd Hollett) and ‘Tess’ aka Dandini (Hilary O’Neil). Prince Charming swapped his royal regalia for a much more fetching little black number and strutted his Latin dance moves like a true pro – we could have watched for hours… Transported back to 17th century England, Cinderella (Rebecca Brewer) arrived in all her glittering crystal finery and the love match was made. Altogether now, aaaaaaaah.
Among the modern day twists and turns were the obligatory boos, hisses and its behind yous which are what makes pantomime so endearing. The balance of old and new and expected and unexpected made this version of Cinderella very refreshing. My advice, go see.
Cinderella is running until 10 January 2010 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. For further information visit http://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/
