Cinderella

Now that Little Britain Live has come and gone, Oxford's hottest-ticket for fans of men in drag, audience participation and predictable punchlines will be the annual Playhouse Pantomime. This time around, they're serving up Cinderella, and in a traditional telling with a plot that deviates very little from the more popular versions of the story. The programme's statement by director Ian Talbot suggests the ambition may have been to offer something more original, however, providing "a new dimension to this classic tale", and he also notes that "the creative team prefer to think of it as a musical show with a healthy dash of pantomime".

The tone is much cooler and moodier than many previous Playhouse Pantos. A few trees are scattered across the stage suggesting a forest clearing. Additional sets representing the story's different locations are wheeled or lowered into this space. The stage-craft was generally quite rough and began to trespass on my goodwill. The writing was variable, with mid-rate musical numbers and perfunctory episodes padding out some pure, audience-delighting Panto moments.

The drag quotient was met with two Ugly Sisters who fluffed pretty much every joke offered to them, and a principal boy with trousered legs and facial hair. Denying us the possibilities of a grand Dame, the Queen was played, in fact, by a woman, Lesley Nicol, who also took the role of Cinders' Fairy Godmother. Ms. Nicol was, simply, the best thing about the show. She managed to find scansion in the awkward couplets where all else failed, regularly hit the right high key of camp, and ad-libbed smoothly when roadblocked by the occasional hiccup.

Cinderella's rag-to-riches narrative can, of course, be bent to fit politics both left and right of centre, and here I saw a conservative slant, and delivered from a very parochial perspective. Later comments, around the prince choosing to wed a commoner, and his promise to deliver tax cuts rather than any meaningful social reform, highlighted this right-of-centre subtext. What's more, the offered concept of "commonness" seemed to be Dibley-bound, straight out of a country kitchen aga-saga fantasy land. This panto is as solidly middle-class as its audience.

The Playhouse have had a rarely-rumbled run of Christmas successes, and it's sad to see them in the ditch for the season. I hope for a return to form next year, and might even set about being a very good boy all year round, just so Santa could bring me my ideal: a Phillip Pullman penned Playhouse Panto. How perfect that would be.

Brendon Connelly (Unverified), 05/12/05

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No-one has so far mentioned Dandini, with what was simply the best performance of the show! The real baddie of the show, Dandini was surely played to perfection by Rae Baker. My six year old is still talking about the moment when Dandini had to walk past the audience and gave her a look filled with moustache-curling pantomime menace!
Superb!

Dandini fan (Unverified), 02/01/06

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Saw Cinderella last night and thought it was a fantastic performance on a higher level of acting than that for children - especially since I had a four year old kicking me in the back the whole performance!

Well done to all cast and crew for a new light hearted and refreshing take on an ageing cinders story. Special thanks must go to the two ugly sisters who stole the show and really lightened up my evening.

Although its not one for the tots its certainly one for the adults who still love the slapstick comedy of panto.

Mummy's Night Off (Unverified), 21/12/05

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I took a group of children, as usual, as a birthday treat and we were very disappointed. Pantos (and Peter Pan) have been full of fun and verve in our expereince. This years' we found pedestrian and apparently done 'on a shoestring'. Not the way to encourage Playhouse patronage in youngsters.

A Mason (Unverified), 19/12/05

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I have to agree with your review Red Dad. No cohesive storyline, (mainly) lacklustre performances, virtually no audience participation, too wordy and a shoddy set. My 5 year old lost interest after about 30mins. After years of top-notch Xmas productions I too hope they get back on track next year.

Disgruntled Dad (Unverified), 14/12/05

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I'm a bit surprised at the perceived conservative slant. The Prince wants to marry for love, his mother is gently mocked for her objection to her son marrying someone 'common'. A national anthem which bemoans the state of the nation. Supposed 'quality' who are mostly either fools or on the make. Social climbing uglies. I know you've got to write something clever but everyone I know has enjoyed it, despite its apparent lack of panto-ness. Perhaps it should have someone from Steps and a Madonna dance routine? Or maybe the Playhouse could commission the Socialist Worker to pen a little something for next year? Let's hope not too many people are put off by Brendon's review and can just go and enjoy themselves without feeling too politically disenfranchised.

Red Dad (Unverified), 13/12/05

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Visiting the Panto this weekend with my family, I was delighted with the show.
The choreography, humour, set and costumes were most pleasing and as a family we are all still singing the songs from the show with panto vigour.
I find it sad and harsh you found such fault with the show and I'm only glad and relieved I didn't read your review before our family outing to the Panto.

Family GUY (Unverified), 12/12/05

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