Cinderella the classic fairy tale of a rags to riches girl which has been told in many variations with the first recognised being in the first century BC and the story of Rhodopis the Greek slave girl who married an Egyptian prince.
Since then there’s been similar stories from Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas until The Brothers Grimm and Disney bring us the story we relate to.
Unfortunately this adaptation does not meet with those classics, yes there are some good performances Cinderella (Rebecca Cookson) is bright and sweet without being sickly, although at times her voice is swamped by the sound mixing which is to intense for the quieter songs.
It not just her though, many suffer, with the exception of Dandini(Ella Marie Dawson) whose voice shines through.
In general the musical tunes and song quality from the 50’s to today can be heard at the local pub on karaoke night, not that the performers do not put the effect in.
As for the remainder of the pantomime we have two drag queens playing the ugly sisters Verucca and Herniyah(Lady Bushra and Misty chance) who are not as bad as they should be.
But where is the venomous Step Mother???
Prince Charming (Ryan Hall), Baron Stoneybroke(Steven Jackson), Buttons(Red Redmond) who goes through his repetitive scenes with purpose but ineffectively although the younger audience appreciate him with his interaction with themselves.
We have a poor Fairy Godmother (Kate Mitchell) who doesn’t seem to know where she should be or what she’s doing.
All the pantomime innuendo, cracker jokes are there but do we really need references to fights amongst audience’s at other Manchester theatres, child labour, phone hacking and global warming and an Asian drag Queen saying “be nice to me I’m an ethnic minority”!!!
The use of a limited set is enhanced by projections and light which are quite excellently done, one of few positives.
The real stars though are the younger element of the cast who provide a refreshing and innocent interlude to their alleged superiors whith energy, effort and pride at being on stage, well done to all of you.
Overall a very disappointing adaptation of a classic.
Various performances until the 31st December.
Two ⭐
