Review: Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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Danny Pulls Something

New Out Of His Hat

Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Sunday 15^th January 2017

The Newcastle Theatre Royal is like a good chocolate box. You know what you’re going to get and you know you’re going to love it. Danny Adams and Clive Webb use their charisma to charm the crowd with their many funny gags and slapstick humour. Chris Hayward parades is his many fabulous costumes whilst the Twins FX ensure that you have the wow factor. It is the panto gem that always shines.

This year turned out to be no exception however there were some surprises that turned up the quality and the immersive nature of the experience. Danny proved he is more than the acrobat and slapstick comedian we know and love, he has other skills to share. The audience always warm to him.

Chris Hayward opened the show in an even more spectacular fashion than he usually does and there are some extra special effects that really impress both young and old alike.

Laura Evans as Cinderella deserves a special mention as she played a delightful version of the long-suffering heroine. Laura sang beautifully along with Prince Charming (played by Will Richardson) and it was great to hear some songs that haven’t been done to death in other pantos.

Will, and Wayne Smith (as Dandini) played a dashing twosome as the Prince and his aide and put a lot into their vocal performances and it showed.

Ugly sisters Peter Peverly and Steve Arnott were a refreshing change as Verruca and Hernia with their less than salubrious tastes and habits.

It could have been that same old chocolate box, but this year it wasn’t. Yes, it’s big, and glamorous. There’s glitter and bangs. But thanks to Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Michael Potts it’s really very funny. Some playground level rude jokes may not be to some tastes but the 13 year old with me found them very amusing.

The children in the audience seemed to like the 3D part of the show which I can’t help feeling is getting a tad old now. The live performances are good enough to carry the show. Theatre IS 3D!

Supporting performances from a great dancing ensemble and the sweet kids from Marron Theatre Arts completed the show perfectly.

Theatre Royal has raised the bar for panto again. Well done.

Review by Joanne Oliver (Twitter: @JoWhereToGo)

Read the NETG Preview:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/preview-cinderella-at-newcastle-theatre.html

Tickets:

Cinderella appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 22^nd November 2016 – Sunday 15^th January 2017. Tickets are available from £13.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.