Cinderella At The Victoria Theatre Halifax Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jenny Bray
Somehow, just when I thought I’d seen everything I thought a pantomime can offer, this one came along and knocked my socks off! This is a pantomime that includes magic tricks and remarkable dancing as well as some incredible props. The combination worked really well and kept everyone engaged and amused throughout the show.
This show is Cinderella, put on by Imagine theatre, who have teamed with the Victoria theatre for the 13th tie for this pantomime. It is based in Willowfield on the wobble, although there are several local references throughout. Instead of a fairy godmother there are fairy godparents in this show; King Julian (Matthew Pomeroy) and Queen Juniper (Natasha Lamb), who make up a magical duo known as ‘The Conjurors’ who have performed together in 32 countries and are off to start a residency on the Las Vegas strip once they’ve completed this pantomime. Their additions to the show added some extra spellbinding points, for which we were all in awe as to how some had been managed.
The main story is Cinderella, who is played by Emma Kirk. Her faithful friend Buttons (Nathan Morris) is on hand to help her out, as well as provide some entertainment. Nurse Brenda Brighouse (Adam Stafford) is the dame of the show and is also Buttons’ Mum. They make a great comedy duo team, incorporating some of the traditional pantomime gags throughout the show. There are also several well known songs sung by various characters throughout the show.
Whitney (Siobhan Diffin) and Britney (Tasha Shanade) bring the stepsisters up to date with being insta stars and interested in designer brands. Watch out for who they get catfished by though…
The supporting ensemble include a team of 8 juniors. I’m not sure which team were in the show tonight but they were a great addition.
The Dame had a number of outfit changes throughout the show, each suitably bright and outrageous. My favourite was the first, with pockets with toys sticking out of them.
The stage was changed to several different settings with the use of different backdrops, most of which were very sparkly and in keeping with both pantomime and keeping it looking magical. I loved the mice holding lights that featured towards the end.
The additional props are also very worthy of mention. Some of them were amazing. Cinderella’s dress when the fairy godparents first dress her for the ball is a sight to behold while singing ‘A Moment Like This’. However, it is then shadowed by how amazing her transport to the ball is!
The choreography is also mesmerising. Laura Grecian did a fantastic job. There was some great dancing going on in the background at times, particularly when Cinderella and Prince Charming (Kieran Morris) have a duet yet there is a couple dancing in white centre stage while the main characters move around front of stages
The theatre is right on a corner in the town centre. There are a couple of car parks nearby and some on street parking.
There are quite a few roadworks going on in and around Halifax centre so leave a little extra time for your journey if possible. The building looks quite modern on the outside but feels more traditional inside, with 3 tiers of seating. There are kiosks that sell popcorn and ice cream by the entrance and a bar on the lower level. The friendliness of the staff stood out to me. They were all engaging and friendly with all ages of attendees.
The show started at 6.30, which means it’s more suitable for all family members and there were lots of youngsters in the audience. It was finished by 9, so still quite late for the younger children in the audience, but it’s also the last week before Christmas and a really fun thing to do with them. The first half is longer than the second half, which works really well for engagement of the younger members of the audience.
The jokes during the show had all age ranges laughing, although there were also several just for the adults, that went over the children’s heads (although my teen got them!). My ‘at a stage that’s hard to please’ teen, loved it and was especially pleased with the addition of the magic and illusion.
This is a great show that is also good value for money. I like that this theatre is slightly smaller than others so the show seems more intimate, especially when the characters are moving down the aisles and encouraging crowd involvement. I recommend it for a festive family trip out. Don’t forget your Christmas jumper.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £23.25-32.25
Cinderella is on at The Victoria Theatre in Halifax between 16th December 2023 and 6th January 2024.
For more information or to book tickets visit; https://www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella or call the box office on 01422 351158
The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP