Cinderella At The Oxford Playhouse, Oxford Review

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive, joyful magic of a fabulous pantomime and the great news is that everyone’s favourite fairytale story, Cinderella is now playing to delighted audiences in the ‘Kingdom of Ox’ at the superb Oxford Playhouse.

The Oxford Playhouse is a wonderful, family friendly venue, situated opposite the Ashmolean Museum in the centre of the historical city. The theatre is smart, yet relaxed and very comfortable, with groovy multi coloured seats and ample leg room, audiences are guaranteed a good view from anywhere in the auditorium. The staff were all wonderfully welcoming and really went out of their way to ensure both young and old clientele enjoyed a special visit.

Ticking all the boxes for being the best in Panto Parties, this is a Cinderella performance like no other! Taking the audience on a delightful journey of escapism and fun, we join determined but downtrodden Cinderella, (Priscille Grace) and her loyal best friend Buttons, (Philippa Carson) in the magical Land of Ox! The likeable but hapless Prince Charming has come back home and is in search of a wife, with the evil villain Dandina devilishly hoping to be the chosen one and the next Queen!

Directed by Toby Hulse, Cinderella is a show which shines from start to finish. The wonderful cast deliver on all fronts from start to finish and it really stands out that they work so hard as one big team, with plenty of chances for everyone to show off their many admirable talents.

Priscille Grace sings and dances beautifully as the feisty, fun and sweet Cinderella. Connor Wood perfectly fits the bill for a humble yet hapless Prince Charming in search of love. Alice Marshall gives a stand out performance as the wicked Dandina, strutting the stage with perfect control and winding the audience up with all the classic, corny panto lines. A big hats off to Philippa Carson who gives a lively and perfectly pitched performance as the loyal Buttons – the audience, young and old adored her!

Alasdair Buchan and Roddy Peters seemed to be having an awful lot of fun playing the wicked sisters Bellina and Smellina. On top form and with great comic timing, corny jokes and puns and enough slapstick humour to bring the house down! The audience participation was a great hoot – a big well done to T**** (editor’s note – name removed) from the stalls too for being such a good sport!

We loved the modern, energetic song and dance numbers and colourful set, this is a Cinderella which gives an up to date twist. The show sets off to give the audience a multi sensory delight, with surprises from above and the occasional arsenal to dodge and perfectly delivers.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew. Cinderella is the Godmother of all Christmas Pantos…oh yes it is… full of fun, singing, dancing and laughter. If you are looking for a something to do with family and friends this Christmas, we would highly recommend Cinderella as the perfect amazing memory-making family Christmas treat.

Rating: 5/5 Tickets cost from £15. Cinderella is at the Oxford Playhouse, Oxford from Thu 1 Dec 2022 to Sun 8 Jan 2023, fir more information or to book tickets visit https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/cinderella-panto

Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW