REVIEW | Cinderella, New Wimbledon Theatre
Written by Cathie
Disclaimer: Provided with tickets in return for an honest review
Nestled among the beautiful streets of Wimbledon lies the fabulous New Wimbledon theatre which, for its Fairy God Mother of all Pantos Cinderella, is packed with more stars than can be found in the night sky. This pantomime is very much a traditional show, with the focus on Prince Charming and Cinderella (Princess Starlight) and their pumpkin strewn and glass slipper laden path to true love. From Hardup Hall to the woods to the gleaming palace, this show manages to capture all the important settings of the ageless tale.
The stars are definitely what make this panto so impressive. Craig Revel Horwood absolutely stuns as the evil panto dame. He leans into every parody song and dance possible, and Strictly fans won’t be disappointed at the amount of teaser references and jokes about the show scattered liberally throughout. It was fabulous getting to see him dance in real life and even the moments which went wrong were hysterically funny. Adults watching this show will very much enjoy the tsunami of smutty jokes and innuendo that go over the kiddies’ heads.
Pete Firman as Buttons was the character everyone rooted for and cheered for the most. He effortlessly took control of the stage and made the audience roar with laughter and little ones gasp in wonder at some of his magic tricks. I definitely think he could soon oust Julian Clary as the reigning Panto legend as Firman commits just as many highjinks on stage, ad libbing lines to make the audience laugh even harder and his general stage presence is just as powerful.
The ugly Hardup step sisters Claudia (Leah Jones) and Tess (Catherine Morris) were fabulous and funny in their roles but mostly managed to avoid slapstick moments of pain aside from one very memorable song. Their comical chasing of the very charismatic Dandini (Daniel Norford) had most of the audience in stitches. Prince Charming (Solomon Davy) and Cinderella (Cassie Compton) sparkled with sweet charisma together and their refit on of Bryan Adams’ “Anything I do I do it for you” was one of my favourite parodies of all time!
The sets were larger than life, riotously colourful and completely beautiful. It really enhanced the fantastical elements of the story and generally just made all of the onstage ridiculousness even more fun. My highlight was the use of Cinderella’s magical carriage and horses which was definitely was on a level with the London Palladium and Prince Edward Theatre. All of the costumes were equally beautiful or exaggerated to increase comedic effect.
The children in the audience were especially spellbound by the special effects, sparkling characters and simple plot. They especially enjoyed booing ‘Demonica’ with much gusto and I could hear many begging their parents to come back as they enjoyed it so much. This would be a great first introduction to theatre, although at running just over two and a half hours, could be difficult if they can’t stay still. This show could also be difficult if your child struggles with loud noise and flashing lights.
This panto has something for everyone, from musical parody numbers, sensational ballroom dancing, classic pantomime interactions, marvellous magic tricks, larger than life characters, a sweet plot filled with terrible puns and a chance for little ones to win hilarious gift bags.
This is the best panto I have seen in years. My sides genuinely ached with laughter for hours afterwards and I left feeling full of positivity and the Christmas spirit. It’s rare to find a family show that feels so genuinely wholesome and sprinkled with genuine festive magic.
If you’re going to see one festive pantomime with your family this year, make it this one.
