GUEST REVIEW- Cinderella

1st January 2020
Savoy Theatre, Monmouth Rating: 4 Stars If you were to find your way to Monmouth, Wales, during the Christmas holidays, and follow the signs to the Savoy Theatre, at the top of the village, you would probably find, in front of the quaint, not so little theatre, a rabble of children and families. Their excited little faces and sugar filled hands are a sure sign that the annual Christmas pantomime is about to go on. The savoy Christmas panto has become a much-loved event over the years and having attended this years Cinderella’s rendition I can very well see why.
This traditional pantomime is truly family friendly. The story and audience participation are clearly aimed at the youngest in the audience, while some of the most ‘highbrow’ jokes (including the one political joke) are meant to tickle the adults in the auditorium. All of this is peppered with a wide range of musical numbers, with songs ranging from Elton John’s ‘Your song’ to One Directions ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ through to Black Lace’s ‘Agadoo’. There is something for everyone in this truly expert musical score, played live by Chris Sennett and Morgan Evans.
Writer and director, Samantha Densham (who sometimes doubles as the Fairy Godmother) does an amazing job at blending story, music and audience participation, whilst including members of the local youth theatre in the show. Her casting is also honestly perfect.
Sarah Hancock does a splendid job in the role of leading lady, portraying a truly lovely Cinderella. Hers and Alison Hellings (Dandini) duet to the tune of ‘That Man’ is also the most exquisitely performed song in the whole show.
Felix Jones makes his professional panto debut as Prince Charming with a unique twist. His ‘spoiled brat’ and at times downright goofy prince is well accompanied by the sarcastic quality of Alison’s Dandini.
Emma MacNab in the role of the Fairy Godmother and Nicholas Benjamin in the role of Buttons shoulder most of the children entertainment and participation. They both come out of the task gloriously. Emma by gliding from scene to scene with an easiness that would make you think she might in fact be a REAL fairy, and Nicholas by giving such an energy filled and perfectly comedy-timed performance to capture the attention and love of all sides of the audience. We follow him from the very first to the last chase and never tire in helping him out in his adventures (including his sub-plot romance with Dandini).
The cast is completed by Clare Brice’s (also responsible for choreographing the shows mesmerising dance numbers) stepmother, one of the most alluring villains I’ve ever witnessed, and Robert Traynor’s and Kevin Tillett’s ugly step-sisters, respectively Trumpella and Borisina, who downright steal the show when it comes to adult entertainment. Their rendition of ‘Sisters’ gives a little bit more than a nod to the Crosby and Kaye’s original act but to be fair it is comparable and very possibly more hilarious than the famous couple duet. What makes them the heart and soul of the show however is the incredible comical chemistry that they bring on stage . It’s a pure joy to see them set up and occasionally tear apart each others jokes right in front of your eyes. Their comic timing is impeccable and as a result the audience is left wheezing with laughter and with more than a few tears in their eyes. At the end of the hour and a half show and despite all of the step mother and sisters scheming, the happy ending is inevitably achieved and everyone leaves the theatre with a smile on their face. A truly commendable show, with a very high production value (the costumes are truly splendid) and a talented cast and crew. All that is left to see is how they are going to trump it next year. A truly lovely family friendly pantomime at the Savoy in Monmouth . Claudia Roncallo