Cinderella at South Hill Park reviewed
Simon Williams • Published 15 Dec 2011 11:00
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If the shoe fits: Prince Charming played by Bernd Windhofer, Cinderella played by Faith Erde and Ugly Sister Eugenie, played by Paul Taylor, in South Hill Park's panto, Cinderella.
SOUTH Hill Park has a growing reputation for quality productions and this year's panto, Cinderella, will see the Bracknell arts venue's stock rising further.
The main cast are all competent actors and excellent singers. They are well supported by the Pippins, with the youngsters displaying a high standard of singing and dancing.
It is invariably, though, the dames - because they get the most comedy moments and are often played by more experienced actors - who steal the show in pantos and Cinderella is no exception.
Paul Taylor is excellent, ably supported by Brad Clapson, as they take on the roles of Eugenie and Beatrice respectively. Surprisingly, this panto pair do not have any of the grotesque hats that became synonymous with the real-life Royal princesses this year. This would have added more topicality and a few more laughs. An opportunity missed.
Audience involvement is the essential ingredient of any good panto and this production has several instances of this, chiefly involving Taylor, who started his career at South Hill Park. Sharper cues from the cast at certain points, though, would bring more interaction but I am sure as Cinderella's run continues, the routines will become more polished.
Aside from the performances, the mechanics of the production itself are strong. The story and sequence flow well, while the musical score by Ron McAllister is intelligent, catchy and well judged, fitting in perfectly with the storyline and helping bind the production together.
The mid-performance set changes - always tricky in live productions - are adeptly handled and the sudden transformation of the pumpkin to a stagecoach in a thunderflash is breathtaking and as close to magic as you will get.
Overall, Cinderella is two hours of fantastic family entertainment and is highly recommended.
No surprise then that ticket sales have already outstripped those for the entire run of last year's panto, Dick Whittington. Cinderella is on at South Hill Park's Wilde Theatre until Sunday, January 1. Tickets cost £13-£17 from www.southhillpark.org.uk
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Dec 11
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