Contributed by Anna Scott:
After dragging ourselves out of our Boxing Day stupor to see last year’s production of Aladdin at Hammersmith’s flagship theatre, it wasn’t exactly a difficult decision to book tickets for the 2012 panto. I’m sure pantomimes were never this good when I was a kid, although, to be fair, I may have been seeing them from a slightly different viewpoint when I was eight years old.
If you’re booking tickets for Cinderella, don’t go expecting all the usual panto traditions. I’m talking here about guest appearances by ex-Australian soap stars and children’s TV presenters. Aimed at the adults as much as the kids, much like last year’s production, Cinderella is a joy from start to finish. A cracking gag-fest of an evening, with spectacular set-pieces and interpretations of current floor-fillers, I defy any member of the audience to have not even the slightest niggle about the production.
But panto purists will be glad to know that in addition to the modern twists, a lot of traditional elements still remain – the audience sing-song (this time the inspired choice of The Proclaimers), the chucking of bucketloads of sweets into the audience (which, unfortunately, did not quite reach the heights of the upper circle where we were seated, even with the help of a tennis racket), the dragged-up dames and their terrorising of one poor bloke in the audience throughout the entire performance, all of it adding to the experience. Special mentions must go to the brilliant Steven Webb as Buttons (who was also gave a memorable performance last year) and Mel Giedroyc as Ms. Hardup, complete with villainous makeup, comic timing and Great British Bake-Off ‘soggy bottom’ gags.
Although the promotional material states that this is recommended for ages 6 and up, my 4 year old was transfixed throughout, apart from a few queries about where the genie was (testament to the impact that Aladdin had on her). The running time might be a bit too long for younger ones, but this is an excellent festive evening for all the family and I’m now counting down the days until next year – we’re now making this a regular Christmas treat.
Cinderella runs until 5th January.
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