By the time you read this review, this year’s production of Cinderella at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole will have almost finished its run but read on because the same team will be back next year with a production of Aladdin which is a title with more magical business and narrative than most other titles and is sure to be a good show. What does it take to be a great pantomime and why is the Poole team so effective?
Firstly, it needs a writer and director who understands both his audience and the genre and brings a wealth of experience in appearing and producing shows. In Chris Jarvis who is in his fourth pantomime at the venue and who has almost thirty on Children's TV, the venue is lucky to have such experience at the heart of the production. The essential story beats must be part of the show, in the case of Cinderella (played by Charlotte Wood) when she first meets the Prince (played by Tyger Drew-Honey) in the woods, the invitation tearing scene with the Ugly sisters, Buttons trying to cheer her up with a nine-carrot necklace, the clock striking midnight and the slipper trying on scene. At Poole, all were present and delivered with charm in keeping with the traditions of the show.
Secondly, the comedy business is both derived from the traditions of pantomime but refreshed and integrated into the show as part of the narrative rather than just shoehorned in from a catalogue of past routines. This Cinderella is set in Hard-Up Hotel, and the comedy business is adapted to that setting. The Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s on first base?” is adapted to “Who’s in room one?” and is executed with consummate skill and timing. The Ghost Bench routine is adapted to a sea monster in and out of five hotel doors behind the cast to give the traditional business a fresh feel. The “pun trolley” becomes a Deliveroo-style distribution of food timed perfectly to interrupt the conversation between the two Ugly Sisters to great comic effect. Then the Mirror routine fits easily into their boudoir as they prepare to meet the Prince. These provide the show highlights.
The third element is the magic and transformation that transfixes the audience and creates the most spectacular moments of the show. Lauren Azania oversees the magic as the Fairy Godmother bursting with personality and a soulful voice (though she does break with tradition and exit stage left). The transformation scene from pumpkin to the carriage is beautifully staged with an elegant strike of the Kitchen scene, a flying Cinderella with a delightful projected coach before revealing the real carriage with two cute ponies for the classic aah moment.
Of course, it then needs a cast working together to deliver it all as an Ensemble and bring energy and joy to the execution of the business. The production was fortunate to have Jarvis as an engaging Buttons, Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji as the two contrasting and magnificent Ugly Sisters, Nadine and Doris, and Simon Rawlings as the Baron who combine so well in the routines. The Uglies opening appearance in bikini’s set the tone brilliantly letting us know that each of them was working to deliver the laughs even at their own expense. There is a strong sense that the comedy is being kept topical with references to the postal and train strikes, Traitors and Faithful (from the recent TV hit) and even a very good King Charles III impression! The music selection is also excellent with tunes for all the family including the 2016 “Symphony”, Sam Ryder’s “Spaceman, the 1985 “Sisters are doing it”, the 1979 “We are family”, the 1972 “I believe in miracles” and the 1965 “Stop in the name of love”. Best of all including a song sheet of “I am HAPPY” with four young kids which is always a charming conclusion to Pantomime even if the kids are reluctant to speak!
The result of a good script, great comic business, magical transformation, a strong cast, and wide music selection is an excellent show which engages and entertains young and old in the audience and honours the traditions while feeling like a modern adaptation. If they can repeat that trick with Aladdin next year, which has so much scope for all these elements, then the Lighthouse will be establishing a reputation as one of the best pantomimes producers in the country.
Review by Nick Wayne
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Stalls, Row J | Price of Ticket: £28.33
