Cinderella at the Theatre Royal St Helens Review
Cinderella
Theatre Royal, St Helens
4 December 2015 to 10 January 2016
Reviewed by Linzi Davies
Panto season again, so off we went to a gem of a theatre in my eyes, always a warm welcome and fantastic shows coupled with free parking only a short distance away in Birchley Street makes it a local treasure. Three excitable children enjoyed the pre-show soft drinks and pretzels before taking our seats in Row G, a short way back from the stage with a fantastic centre view.
The show was opened with quite a weak version of Jess Glynn’s Hold My Hand, by the female lead, Laura Gregory and this as Cinderella worried me slightly as to what the standard was going to be, but I’m guessing it was down to nerves as the rest of the show was absolutely fabulous! I’m sure every viewer is more than familiar with the story of Cinderella and her two ugly sisters as they battle to win the heart of the dashing prince (Jack Rigby) but in this show the ugly sisters were even uglier with extremely gravelly Scouse accents and a snorting laugh which had the crowd with tears rolling down their faces. I have to admit that neither of the stars Marc Baylis (Coronation Street) as Dandini or Crissy Rock (Benidorm) as Pippa are known to me but their performances were certainly worthy of stars from the TV screen.
The real star of the show for me was Ben Engelen who played Buttons, his interaction with the children in the audience was brilliant and the slip of the tongue when he referred to Cinderella having crapped herself in the cupboard as opposed to trapped was hilarious, even having the cast doubled over in laughter. Buttons appearing in tights during a swan lake dance and spandex during a forest exercise class was different to say the least but highly enjoyable.
The interval was reached with a beautiful snow fall over the audience which the children loved. The refreshments and light up toys that the kids always want were as usual quite expensive which I’m sure left many parents unfortunately having to say no.
Dandini was at best charming and at worst dastardly and played both parts with charisma and enthusiasm and The Fairy Godmother (Simon Foster) was a dashing figure dressed in pink and granting wishes a plenty.
The second half in my opinion was even better than the first, the majestic ball and the surprise appearance of two glittery white real live Shetland ponies had the audience ooooing and ahhhhhing a plenty before the wedding and the happy ever after. I think a special mention for the youngsters who appeared in the show, especially the dancing fox and there was talent galore and some super moves and singing. Well done kids.
Our favourite part in particular was the classic 12 days of Christmas song with a subtle twist, when my 4 year old caught the 5 toilet rolls as they hurtled into the stalls, he was given the opportunity to throw them back to Dandini and that made his night!!!
The show had everything, slapstick, double entendre, water guns, baddies and the happy every after that every good fairytale needs so I would heartily recommend this pantomime for young and old alike.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10.50 to £51 (booking fees may apply).
Cinderella is at the Theatre Royal in St Helens until 10 January 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01744 756000.
St. Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ
