Review: Cinderella ***

An opera, ballet, musical, film and even a cartoon, Cinderella is one of the most loved, magical rags-to-riches tales ever. But despite spectacular sets and lavish costumes, this production doesn't magic up the sparkle and raucous repartee that traditional pantomime is all about.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Dec 2010, 11:07 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2011, 15:24 BST

From an opening number that needs more smiles and less attitude, the production seems to limp along with a what seems like an curfew on audience participation.

Jez Edwards is an energetic and appealing Buttons, but doesn't get the opportunity to come into his own with what he does best – getting the audience to raise the roof.

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The saving grace of the show is Suzanne David's Cinderella which is pure perfection

As a larger-than-life Fairy Godmother Sue Hodge seems to struggle with her character in an overly-long prologue and it's only in the transformation scene that she comes into her own with a beautiful flourish.

As the Uglies, Roger Darrock and Stephen Howe have some wonderfully garish costumes, and outlandish expressions to go with them, but I am sure if they tried they could be a tad more wicked – while Nigel Wild makes a superb, Baron Hardup. With a number of technical hitches, miscues, forgotten lines, glum chorus faces and at times an overly loud accompaniment and no opportunity to shout "Oh no there isn't!" it's no wonder younger members found it difficult to stay wide awake until the end of the show!

Runs to January 8.

The Carriageworks, Leeds

Related topics:CinderellaLeeds