Cinderella at the New Victoria Theatre Woking Review

Reviewed by Joanne Hughes

I have only two words to say to describe the opening night of the Cinderella panto at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking – Absolutely Fab-u-lous! The production delivers a star-studded cast starring Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood as Baroness Demonica Hardup, comedian Phil Butler as Buttons, Hollyoaks’ Sophie Isaacs as Cinderella, and Chuckle Brothers’ Paul Chuckle as Baron Hardup. And it does not disappoint in providing the mix of silly jokes, a wicked baddie, song and dance, and audience participation, that is expected of this well-known pantomime.

We knew it was going to be a fantastic evening as we made our way through the throng of excited patrons. Our seating in the stalls was perfect with a close central view of the entire stage (although it’s true to say that there isn’t a bad view from any spot in the auditorium). Every seat appeared filled, with everyone from young to old awaiting with exuberant anticipation.

We were not disappointed. From the moment the curtain went up we were superbly entertained with juggling and magic tricks from Buttons, innuendos, slap-stick jokes and pantomime style wickedness from Baroness Hardup and her ugly daughters (amusingly named Tess and Claudia), as well as fabulous songs and dancing. Two of my favourite scenes are those in which Buttons is led to believe he is receiving singing coaching from Baron Hardup, who is actually restyling a lady in her dress – this had the whole audience laughing their socks off as poor Phil Butler ended up in a rather embarrassing disrobed position; and the second was the totally hilarious singing and actions to the song “If I were not in Hardwick Hall, something else I’d like to be” – which made my young son giggle so much, he nearly fell off his chair!

Paul Chuckle has the whole audience joining in with his famous catchphrase “Helloooo”, and the set in which chosen spectators participate in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears story is uproarious. Sophie Isaacs (Cinderella) and Oliver Saviles (Prince Charming) captivating voices filled us with wonder, whilst their magical on-stage rapport has us all rooting for their romance to win the day. Craig Revel Horwood gets to show off his dancing skills in a saucy dance solo, and there’s a fabulous scene with Buttons and Baron Hardup rehearsing a magic trick, and the Baron – Paul Chuckle – struggles with his lines and gets into a fit of giggles so poor Buttons – Phil Butler – has to ad-lib and hold the scene together.

I take my hat off to the costume designer who produced some dazzling creations, particularly those of Baroness Hardup, and to the set designers – the ingenuity of the technology which created a flying carriage and horses to whisk Cinders off to the ball had both young and old in complete awe. The music and dance choreography was amazing, and very up-to-date with adaptations of the songs from ‘The Greatest Showman’. The performances of all the cast, with a special mention of the children, were truly splendid. To top it all off, our hearts are warmed with a happy ever after fairytale wedding.

From the stars to the costumes, the music, and the slap-stick comedy, this was a quality pantomime which gave a fantastic evening of laughter, audience participation, song and dance – a must see ‘darling’!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £14 to £47 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).

Cinderella is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from 7 December 2018 to 6 January 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7645.

New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ