CINDERELLA At Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Review

Reviewed by Jane Warwick

FAB-U-LOUS!! A wonderful family show from start to finish combining all the ingredients of classic pantomime whilst showcasing the considerable talents of the cast. This production cannot be praised too highly!

Cinderella is the archetypal pantomime with its love interest, plenty of opportunities for boo and hiss, likable fools and a villain dominating proceedings. This production contained all of these but surpassed itself with spectacular costumes, superb dancing and singing, some awe-inspiring magic and some special effects which were amongst the best any theatre, anywhere, can offer. The best pantomime must appeal to all ages, and this was certainly the case at the Mayflower last night. The numerous children in the audience were obviously having a wonderful time and were fully involved with the characters on stage whilst I haven’t laughed so much for ages and marvelled at the quality of the production.

Craig Revel Horwood made an excellent Baroness Demonica Hardup. Not only is Craig a household name with the reputation of being the ‘bad guy’ on Strictly, but he really can sing and dance to a very high standard. Combined with some spectacular costumes he made the perfect villain we all love to hate. Georgia Carr as Cinderella, and Will Richardson as Prince Charming, made a delightful, beautiful couple with voices to match whilst the two ugly sisters, Suzie Chard and Catherine Morris (renamed Claudia and Tess in this production as another nod to Strictly) were loud, outrageous and the perfect foil for their beautiful stepsister.

Richard Cadell as Buttons is a first-class entertainer who knows how to warm-up an audience. In addition to his naughty jokes, amusing ad-libs and general tomfoolery he also brings Sooty and Sweep to the proceedings who not only entertain the younger members of the audience but also bring back lots of happy memories to the adults. They also do some very impressive magic tricks! “Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!” Most of the adults remembered this phrase when Sooty waved his wand.

Debbie McGee enjoys herself as The Fairy Godmother and had the opportunity to show off her considerable dancing skills which had already been demonstrated to us on Strictly. Daniel Norford as Dandini completed the main characters and sang and acted excellently. Mention must also be made of the highly accomplished Ensemble who danced impressively in some very well choreographed sequences ranging from tap to ballroom.

Local pantomime invariably has ‘digs’ at local places and there were the expected jokes at the expense of Portsmouth, Gosport, Southampton and local football teams. There was also plenty of opportunity for innuendo but nothing that would detract from this being a truly family show. There were belly laughs aplenty and some very skilful use of a wide variety of pop songs to complement the proceedings. Combined with some hilarious slapstick, this production entertained at many levels. In the programme Craig states that good pantomime can help children fall in love with the live theatre and Cinderella at the Mayflower should certainly do that. I will certainly watch future Crossroad Pantomimes.

The Mayflower is an excellent venue, a deservedly popular theatre and it is great to see a capacity, family audience enjoying themselves after the strictures of lockdown. There is good parking and a good selection of restaurants within easy reach making it the ideal place for an enjoyable evening’s or afternoon’s entertainment.

The brochure states ‘Cinderella the Fairy Godmother of All Pantos’ and this production cannot be recommended too highly!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £19.50 – £47.50

Cinderella is at Mayflower Theatre , Southampton from Friday 10th December 2021 to Sunday 5th January 2022

For more information or to book tickets visit:
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/cinderella-pantomime-2021 or call the box office on 02380711811

Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton , Hampshire. SO15 1GE