Cinderella (Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company)

If you've noticed some roadworks in downtown Brierley Hill, it's probably because they are making major renovations to Hardup Hall a temporary but, slightly dilapidated residence frequented by an array of comical characters bringing enjoyment to the locals as it's pantomime time again!

To say this is a bit of a 'dance spectacular' is an understatement and the choreography from Sally Evans is something to behold as an extensive array of dancers 'strut their stuff' to some classic tunes including 'Let's Get Loud' from Jennifer Lopez, the Real Thing's 'You to Me are Everything' and a fine Spice Girls Medley all performed to the highest standard.

Baron Henry Hardup (Martin Francis) having lost one wife obviously needs some tutorship in choosing the next one as Baroness Hermione Hardup is scary, Matthew Hickman's characterisation is enough to have the strongest dithering. Not only does he marry a distinctly unnerving wife but, he inherits a couple of seriously objectionable daughters Mona and Grizelda (outrageous performances from Steve Taylor and Chris Psaras respectively) whose own belief that they are 'adorable' is a serious misjudgement at best, I would personally use the terms frightful and obnoxious (although highly entertaining)!

If you are looking for 'adorable' you need look no further than the relationship between Meg Luckins's delightfully innocent performance as Cinderella and Krystian Wharton's utterly irrepressible Buttons, even though his love is somewhat unrequited this doesn't deter him and his relationship with the audience is always effervescent. Cinderella of course is going to need some 'fairy magic' to help her along the way and that comes in the form of Rachel Gresswell as a glittery and 'rhyming couplet' driven Fairy Godmother.

Let's talk about that pair who swap roles to confuse (especially said Ugly Sisters who are easily misled), Rebecca Thorne is an enthusiastic and vocally strong Dandini alongside Jess Skidmore's thigh-slappingly perfect principal boy Prince Charming. We know of course which one get's the girl based on her foot being the only one that fits the slipper and the other, well they are stuck with those sisters and were last seen running for the hills!

What about the musicians I hear you ask, aptly called the Magic Pumpkins (weren't they an alt rock band form the 90s, whoops that's the Smashing Pumpkins), under the direction of Richard Skilbeck as Musical Director are a small but, perfectly formed group that can turn their hand to anything from Sondheim to Disco. If you are looking for a bit of rap however, look out for Zac Psaras as the Chamberlain a small but, not insignificant role and feel for the lad, he has an Ugly Sister as a father!

Including the obligatory ghost chasing scene (with Rhi Luckins as the ghost) and the principal's song with its fair share of 'water pistol action' this is a classic piece of pantomime fun that provides real entertainment value for the audience and you probably have the Director, Jo Gresswell to thank for that.


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