Review: Court’s panto was such a charming affair
THE theatre is heaving, not a seat is left in the house, when suddenly, at this penultimate pantomime performance of Cinderella, up on stage pops a sprightly Jack.
As the late arrivals continue to shuffle into their seats and a Brown Owl herds a billion little Brownies to their places, Jack begins his story.
He’s on his way to market to sell his old cow Daisy because he and his mum who he lives with need the money… hang on a minute, doesn’t my ticket say Cinderella?
With absolutely no beanstalk in sight Jack gets the audience to do a Mexican wave instead.
The curtain’s not up yet but the punters are already hooked.
Neil Diamond’s I’m a Believer is the opening number – young and old instantly start clapping along.
Next a rush of children pile onto the stage and with huge energy and enthusiasm the audience is treated to a damned good rendition of the Black Eyed Peas’ Tonight’s Gonna Be A Good Night.
The set may not be as glitzy as some of the more expensive pantos but the sheer good fun of it all puts the biggest smile on everyone’s faces.
And the casting is great too – no soap stars, but plenty of local talent.
Prince Charming is confidently played by the suitably handsome Joe Payne. The 24-year-old lead singer of Tring band Tramp Etiquette has a great sense of timing and a wonderful twinkle in his eye.
And Emma Russon as his aide and confidante Dandini is terrific, managing also to pull off fishnet tights in the shortest of outfits.
Melissa Travers plays the kind and gentle Cinders to perfection while Colin Hubbocks and Andy Faber bring the house down as Willomena and Catoleena, the Ugly Sisters Will and Kate.
Buttocks as the wicked but also rather glamorous stepmother – played by Jenny Giles – likes to call Colin Tovee’s Buttons whirls around the stage with aplomb while everyone looks forward to an appearance from Fairy Godmother Amy Dunstall.
The roller-skating horse Dobbins is a triumph, as are the debt collectors Tom, Dick and Henry, with the diminutive Jake Houchen who plays Henry a particular talent.
Ian Gower and Nick Russon’s script is impressive – great wordplay, wonderful innuendo, and tremendous visual gags, all fizzing together with enough energy to light a small town.
And the audience interaction? Well it’s second to none. Will we ever find out if Bruce from the front row recovered from his encounters with Willomena? Do we know if the dozens of youngsters who made their way onto the stage to sing Old McDonald Had A Farm have already booked to come next year? And how on earth did I manage to catch four chocolates when a box of Roses was thrown into the audience? I gave away two, by the way.
Next year don’t bother with one of those posh pantos, get yourself tickets to a Court Theatre production instead... and don’t delay, this year’s shows sold out.
Nicolas Curtis
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Aylesbury
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.