Cinderella at Royal and Derngate Northampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
We were super excited to arrive for the pantomime today. Albeit it was wet and windy outside we received a warm welcome at the Royal and Derngate, the staff on the bar were especially helpful when I purchased mine and my daughter’s drinks, as was the lovely lady who showed us to our seats.
Pantomime is my absolute favourite show to watch with the grandchildren, although parents and grandparents can get quite stressed getting the children sorted and explaining what’s going on! We had an under two year old today and a nearly three year old with us, and right from the opening they were mesmerised. I honestly was apprehensive last year about taking proper little ones to pantomime, but honestly if you are stressing, don’t. The youngest sat pointing and with his mouth open for most of it, they both loved it.
The whole cast were absolutely brilliant, led by Joanne Clifton as the Fairy, meant strong strictly links and some fab-u-Lou’s dancing, with an ensemble that were just outstanding. Shoutout to Samuel, he was super funny. Buttons played by Dave Bibby was the boys favourite, but us adults were of course in love with Prince Charming played by Marcellus Whyte and Cinderella played by Macavia McCarthy. The two wicked sisters, were very funny, Aldianna and Lidleena, Gordon Cooper and Matt Daines had some stunningly funny outfits, that made you laugh out loud. We can’t of course forget Andini played by Andy Day, who was an absolute delight.
The whole cast are very, very talented and made this afternoon such a special fun family time. The costumes and set are lovely, and the laughs were endless, as you would expect from pantomime a tad corny, but that what we were there for. Cinderella is a great story, we all know that, and you just hope it all comes good for our beautiful Cinderella. Audience participation is a must, and there were plenty of shouts of he’s behind you. My grandson was a little disappointed there were no water pistols, but we as adults were not!
The most magical moment for all of us, was Cinderella and Prince Charming in her carriage with a beautiful white horse that galloped into the sky, just wonderful to watch the kids’ faces as they took off into the sky. The singing from everyone was great, and it’s lovely to have songs that you know and sing along to. They all certainly had the voices of angels. Joanne Clifton was the funniest fairy and really bought the show together. Christmas really is the most wonderful time, and what better way to start the festive season than to go to see a pantomime with your friends and family, young or old, you can’t fail to enjoy every single minute of Cinderella. It’s a must see this year, buy your tickets and your flashing light up toys (in the foyer) and go spend the best few hours you will have had for some time enjoying the delightfully funny Cinderella at the Royal and Derngate, Merry Christmas to you all, magical afternoon, a great time was had by all.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12.50 plus £4 transaction fee
Cinderella is at the Royal and Derngate Northampton from 6-31 December 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the box office on 01604 624811
19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP