It was good to see an almost full house for the last performance of Cinderella, directed by Pete Davis, at the Blackmore Theatre, all waiting with eager anticipation for the show to begin.
Written by Alan P Frayn whose pantomime scripts always have a strong storyline and flow smoothly from scene to scene this well-known tale was no exception.
With a lovely mix of adults and youngsters in the cast, the opening number Happy certainly set the tone for the fun to come, and all the usual well-loved panto traditions were there encouraging lots of audience participation, much to everyone’s delight especially “it’s behind you!”
Baron Hardhup was gently played by Paul Baxter who didn’t stand an earthly chance against the acerbic Annette Driver, stepping in with weeks to spare as his new Baroness.
Les Hunt and Mark Blaber were both exceedingly unattractive as Gertrude and Grizelda the Uglies, and leaving no doubt that they were “blokes in frocks”!
Martin and Audrey Moore were fun as the work-weary “desperate duo” Bodget and Leggett, Lee Haddow was definitely in command as Chambers, and Christina Bungay made an endearing Fairy Godmother.
At this performance the part of Hagan the Horse was played by Dot Taylor, who neighed admirably with some nifty “hoof work” – a clever nod to the times to have a one-man horse because of social distancing!
Keeping with tradition Mollie Summers made an attractive Prince Charming, and Jago Nicholls showed promising stage presence with good reactions as Dandini - both youngsters did very well for their stage debuts.
Kaitlin McCann was just right as Cinderella, giving a confident and well-sung performance, and Toby Hill held everything together as Buttons getting the audience on his side from the word go!
The simple scenery was enhanced by some effective lighting, a good forest backdrop gave the Junior Chorus a moment to shine as baby animals, and the music was in the capable hands of Nicky Perry, Annie Edwards and Ted Draper, playing in the wings.
Hats off to Exmouth Players for a very warmly received production – oh yes it was!
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