Cinderella at the Civic Theatre Chelmsford Review

Reviewed by Claire Turner

It’s been a good few years since I saw a pantomime at the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford, the theatre is located within the City Centre, there are lots of car parks within walking distance and it is right next to the train and bus stations.

We arrived in plenty of time to collect our tickets, get a programme and find our seats. The bar was open for drinks and there was a stand selling merchandise in the foyer. I took my 6-year-old son who had never been to a panto before.

It started with a ‘bang’ and ‘Fairy Liquid’ played by Abigail Carter Simpson appeared on the stage in a flash! She was very funny and there were lots of Chelmsford and Essex jokes throughout. The infamous Army & Navy even had a mention!

It is your usual Cinderella story with two very ‘ugly sisters’ – Chlorine played by Richard Foster-King and Maureen played by Louie Westwood, they had outrageous over the top costumes, ridiculously high heeled shoes, and were for most parts very very funny. They are mean to their step sister Cinderella, played by Caitlin Rutter, but she has her best friend Buttons, played by Tom Summers, by her side who is madly in love with her. Unfortunately, Buttons’ microphone wasn’t working when he first appeared on stage so we couldn’t hear a lot to start but he was soon handed one from the conductor so then we could follow what was happening. Soon Prince Charming, played by Liam Ball, and Dandini, played by Kane Verrall, were on stage ready to give out invites to the Ball where Prince Charming and Cinderella would meet and fall in love…

There’s a lot comedy, mostly it’s funny! The singing is wonderful, the songs are mainly current, so the children could sing along (and dance in the aisles) when prompted. There were forgotten lines or speaking through laughter – whether intentional or not it made us laugh!

There was a lot of ‘aaahhhhing’ when the ponies appeared on the stage pulling Cinderella’s carriage and then a lot of uncontrollable laughter when one pooped on stage! The cast members kept it together and finished their scene.

Some people might say it is the ‘greatest show’, I thought the first half was slow to start but the second half certainly had more laughs! My son found it funny and wants to come back for next year’s panto…

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost £23 (booking fees may apply)

Cinderella is at the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford from 30 November 2018 to 6 January 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or call the box office on 01245 606 505.

Civic Theatre, Fairfield Rd, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG | 01245 606 505