Cinderella (Stourbridge Pantomime Company)

Definitely some action down at Hardup Hall (temporarily relocated into Stourbridge Town Hall) as Stourbridge Pantomime Company present Cinderella and it isn't very often that I kick-off a review by focusing on the dance element but, this is quite outstanding to watch and Amy Roberts as Choreographer (and I might add dancer as well!) assisted by Natalie Nicholas as Dance Captain has done an incredibly professional job that would be equally at home on any stage in the world.

One can't help but, find something completely captivating about Hannah Shillingford as Cinderella, she has so much to deal with and I really wanted her to ride off into the sunset with Amelia Humphries as Prince Charming as they make an idyllic couple. Maybe that happened after the curtains closed and if it did it was probably followed by an ocean of tears from Ricky Hammond's confidence lacking yet richly entertaining Buttons with witty quips for young and old.

However let's talk ugly shall we, in the interval I reached for my online dictionary and strangely didn't find Beryl and Cheryl (played with brash confidence by Jonathan Hunt and David Shaw respectively) anywhere in the definition. I fear those who compile the Oxford English are missing a trick as these two are the epitome of the word and not only does Cinderella need to fear for her safety but, so does every man in the room!

It does of course become obvious why Beryl and Cheryl have turned-out as they have when one meets their mother, the Lady Devilia Hardup played with a glint in her eye and an evil streak by Emily Jeavons and receiving the greatest level of 'hiss and boo' from the audience. There is just one question I still find it difficult to answer, that being what did Baron Hardup (played with understated charm by Peter Goldsmith) see in her, it certainly wasn't her loving nature!

Comedy value comes in buckets from Adam Chester and Hatty Humpherson as Mr Get It and Mr Got It, I am not sure I would trust them with my security but, you have to give them ten out of ten for effort. Talking of effort, shout out of the night must go to Hattie Rudge, standing in as Dandini due to a last minute issue with the dreaded Covid, confident, engaging and even managed to perfect the 'thigh slapping' before the finale.

What would a pantomime be without a Fairy (of the Godmother type in this case) and a Horse, well this one benefits greatly from Julia Tromans with her magic (including a magic vocal) as Fairy G and Vicki Simpson/Caz Brasenell as Stewponey (or Stewie for short), not sure who was at the front and who at the rear but, the latter certainly needs to put in an expenses claim for a good massage after this show has completed.

Direction by Steve Humpherson and Musical Direction by George Stuart (who with merely two supporting musicians creates an orchestral sound), this is one you don't want to miss and it only runs until 29th January 2022.

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