Scott Harrington reviews Cinderella at Malvern Theatre

Writing this review means a lot to me, as I have attended the annual Malvern Theatre pantomime every year on Christmas Eve, since I was very young. The pantomimes certainly inspired me as a child, I remember re-enacting the routines to my friends on the school playground. Every year I would be captivated by the humour enjoyed by both the kids and adults, the bright colours within both the characters and scenery, the dame’s hilariously grotesque costume changes, along with the stage magic that would just blow my mind, and this year’s production of Cinderella delivered just that.

This year I brought my 86 year old Grandma Pat with me to the show.
In her youth, she would watch pantomimes in small village halls. The Malvern pantomime is obviously on a much grander scale, but she believes the humour hasn’t changed at all over the years. Grandma Pat particularly enjoyed the music featured in the show, both old and new.

We found the management of Malvern Theatres is faultless, in the way that the staff pays close attention to everybody’s needs. Booster seats were available for the small audience members to get the perspective they deserve. There was easy access in and out of the main theatre as well as the auditorium for wheelchair users, whether in the stalls or up in the circle. I was impressed by the upfront notice given to audience members about the loud noises and flashing lights that featured in the show. Very considerate.

It’s important to acknowledge that for a lot of children, seeing a pantomime is often their first trip to the theatre. The experience for them is all very new and they do not necessarily know what to expect. Director Benji Sperring and the rest of the creative team behind “Cinderella” clearly understand how to give the kids a rewarding theatre experience. Don Bluth (one of the greatest children’s story tellers of all time) believed that kids should “earn their happy endings” by watching the hero face many challenges before achieving happily ever after. With Cinderella, the children are active players in the story, and participate in helping the characters reach their happily ever after- which makes the victory at the finale all the more exciting!

There were many jokes throughout the show with double meanings for both kid and adult audience members. The children loved the sight of their parents enjoying themselves just as much as them, and the adults delighted in watching the next generation enjoy the classic routines and jokes for the very first time. It makes the whole experience feel very fresh and new again. 

 Malvern Theatre’s “Cinderella” has plenty of classic pantomime routines that we love and know, as well as new surprises involving illusions, one moment in particular involving the titled character disappearing and then reappearing from a box that never leaves the stage. There was the appearance of two beautiful Shetland ponies to transport Cinderella to the ball. These features of the show, gave the audience a breath of fresh air, whilst still finding comfort in familiarity.

 It is no surprise that Mark James who plays Buttons is immensely loved by Malvern, having returned as the comedian for panto. When he first appeared, the audience were cheering before he even delivered a single line. The crowd knew all his catchphrases, which shows nothing more than a sign of admiration. 

 In addition to Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn giving a sublime and comical performance as the Fairy Godmother, I really enjoyed watching Bethan Jacks as Cinderella and Ben Brooker as Prince Charming, who typically would have the toughest roles to play in a pantomime being the most serious characters in the plot, yet they were both showcased in their sensational abilities to sing, act and dance, but also for their hilarious comedy performance skills. Jordan Lee Davies who plays Dandini also shows off his spectacular talents, particularly opening for act two with his incredibly powerful singing voice.

 There is no denying, “Cinderella” is the definitive classic that everybody loves. To anybody visiting Malvern Theatres to watch, all I can say is you certainly won’t be disappointed.