CREATIVE and funny, Silver End Amateur Dramatic Society’s Cinderella The Panto was entertaining and heart-warming for all the family, with some star performances included.
Silver End Village Hall had an amazing atmosphere at last Thursday’s opening night – with families, friends and residents all in attendance – and the energy continued throughout both acts.
‘Little Whining’, a village where not much happens apart from royal gossip, was brought to life by the very young cast of school children who shared lines in both songs and in the quick, pacey script.
A standout moment was when all the children invaded the aisles before showing their multicolour wings - the fairy lights transforming the normal village hall into a piece of theatrical magic.
George Sullivan's Buttons was one of the narrators in many ways, quipping to the audience and being a great childlike friend.
As well as being charismatic, George was extremely versatile and convincing as Buttons, a hard role for many actors, showing he has the brightest of futures.
Daniel Ormes as Baron Hardup – Cinderella’s father – was extremely funny as a very old man, almost like a YouTube skit crossed with a silent film’s man with disapproving eyebrows.
Becca Houghton and Perry Woolner, as ugly stepsisters Ammonia and Amnesia, were successful in being mean rude girls, shameless flirts and secretly not so evil characters.
Georgia-Anne White injected personality into Cinderella in her scenes, the reveal of her blue ball gown from her brown sack dress being a touch of joy.
Watt, Megan Roman, and Who, Jack, provided effortless cool and the other youngsters who impressed were Sophie, Lauren, and Georgia May, Tuesday, and Page who were captivating with their dialogue.
Likewise, Dame Pepperpot, Mick Eyre, Baroness, Joan Hollocks and Fairy Godmother Jacqueline Lodge were entertaining as the larger characters who all really communicated with the audience.
The show's complete success was also due to the production team, particularly the set design, with the important tower clock and Little Whining sets being very impressive.
With a live band, and several other outstanding ensemble moments such as the slow motion freeze or the Mission Impossible feat, Cinderella, directed by Martin Barlow, was a fantastic January treat.
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