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Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Comedy king Brian Conley stole the show as Cinderella lived up to its bold billing as the best panto ever to grace the city of lace.
A popular household name thanks to The Brian Conley show and rib-ticking characters Dangerous Brian and Nick 'It's a Puppet' Frisby, the quirky comic had the audience — and indeed, his co-stars — crying with laughter throughout as the loveable Buttons.
Ably backing him up were the Ugly Sisters, Trinny and Susannah — better known as dynamic duo Nigel Ellacott and Peter Robbins — whose eccentric take-off of the storybook siblings brought the stage to life, with their crazy costumes, sizzling smut and raw, uncensored wit.
Seasoned panto pros, the gruesome twosome — who have appeared alongside Conley in Cinderella for the past five seasons — looked alarmingly comfortable in their dazzling dame attires, which included everything from a picnic basket to a bottom-bearing deckchair!
Also lighting up the auditorium with his wicked one-liners was Dawson Chance as Cinders' father, Baron Hardup, who showed off his ventriloquistic skills through his furry friend 'Little Willy' (ahem, ahem) — a sleepy turtle whose cheeky back-chat really brought the kids out of their shells.
The fairytale's main character Cinderella, played by the stunning TV star Michelle Potter, graced the stage with her angelic voice and glowing persona, whilst The Prince, Dean Chisnall, had female pulses-a-racing with his tight tights, lush locks . . . and striking resemblance to Enchanted heart-throb Patrick Dempsey. Oh yeah, and he could sing and act, too!
With his loyal servant Dandini — the lively, likeable Eaton James — at his side, the charismatic companions wooed the masses, whilst Fairy Denise Pitter had her audience spellbound with a hip mix of magic, modern music and good, old-fashioned glitter.
All in all, immaculate, colourful costumes, superb scenery, up-to-the-minute choreography and a first-rate support cast — which included the multi-talented Theatre Royal Babes — ensured Cinderella had my family and I in raptures, awe . . . and stitches!
Hilarious, enchanting and downright delightful, the hours passed like minutes — and when we shouted for an encore, we really meant it, as the irresistible show exceeded its billing in every possible way.
Pantomime in a league of its own, the starring role undoubtedly belonged to Conley, who demonstrated his versatility as a comedian, actor and singer, enjoying a riotous rapport with the audience and a clear chemistry with his co-cast.
To sum it up in a word — unmissable. So grab your pumpkin, get on your glad rags and see Cinderella . . . you'll have a ball!
Cinderella is showing at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Sunday, 18th January.
For tickets call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
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Weather for Mansfield
Thursday 24 May 2012
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