Pull up a chair, get the tinsel out and get ready for a Christmas treat! Cinderella is playing down at Portobello Town Hall and this is not one to be missed. Lewis Baird’s laughter-fuelled take on the classic fairy-tale will have you laughing out loud and up dancing in the aisles. Running until 23rd December this is one for all the family to enjoy.
Kicking the show off with a sparkling entrance was the heart-warming yet cheeky natured Fairy Maggie played by Andrew Gardiner. Not your traditional panto dame, Gardiner takes on the role of the fairy godmother but disguises herself as a house maid to watch over our Cinders. Although traits of a dame were recognisable, Gardiner gave this character more heart and a softer side than we would normally see which is by no means a bad thing! With stunning vocals (wait for the solo in Act 2!) and a flirtatious nature with Buttons, this fairy carried the story smoothly with plenty of giggles along the way.
Amy Campbell delights our audience as Cinderella. Stage presence in abundance and vocals to gasp over, Campbell is a natural on stage. Her presence draws the audience’s attention and you feel her captivating every single person when on stage. Likable and sweet but strong and full of life, our female lead gives light and shade to Cinders.
The villain of the story and Cinders’ evil stepmother is the wicked Baroness Hardup played by the powerhouse Nicola Alexander. From the moment of the first entrance, you know you’re in for a good night. Not one but two solo numbers, Alexander showcases her unbelievable talent with vocals that with knock you off your feet. Not only a fantastic voice, she showcases a wickedness that will scare the adults and kids alike. With great one-liners that show us her comedic side but don’t let that fool you when she then pulls us straight back in to believing she is indeed, truly evil.
The stars of the show come in the form of the Baroness’ two daughters Wonky and Stonky played by Harrison MacNeill and Leo MacNeill. Both were the life and soul of the show entering in fast-food themed dresses and make-up you would wake up in after a night on the town! Fantastic comic relief they both took over the dame type role with the added audience interaction of Boo’s to which they replied ‘Come Ahead!’ This partnership is one to watch out for and the musical number to a classic Abba track is the highlight of Act 2. Hilariously funny and overacting at its finest, they are a treat and give the audience laugh after laugh.
But the classic tale of Cinderella in panto-land cannot be told without Cinders best friend and loyal subject Buttons played by Laurie Scott. Boundless energy and one for the kids, Scott brings warmth and humour to the show along with plenty audience interaction. The physical comedy is apparent and you can tell Scott is a seasoned performer. Without a lot of solo stage time, Scott had to shine on a full stage but managed to make Buttons stand-out at certain moments. Some jokes landed and others just missed, but the kids still loved the silliness that Scott brings to the character.
A fairy-tale would be nothing without a Prince Charming. Martin Mitchell plays this loveable prince and his partnership with his trusted sidekick Dandini works well. With the right amount of give and take this duo make for comedy moments and joyful music numbers. But when the Prince meets the girl of his dreams, something is lost. The chemistry we see in Mitchell’s partnership with Dandini are lost in his scenes with Cinderella. A love-struck Prince is not overly convincing but does make up for it in his facial expressions and comedic flare during the ball scene with Wonky and Stonky.
Rounding off the cast is the energetic and bouncy Dandini played by Ollie Hiemann. As the Prince’s sidekick, Hiemann delivers hilarious one-liners and showcases his funny bones throughout. His facial expressions are hysterical and Hiemann showcases his talented vocal range which makes you want join in and sing along with him!
Musical Direction by Tommie Travers was full of classic pop hits with a few nods to the 80’s and some standard Scottish favourites. It was a treat for the whole audience to hear these firm favourites along with an original panto score that brought life and vibrancy to the story.
Aidan O’Brien’s choreography was evident throughout and handled well by the ensemble. Current and fresh, the moves showcased a modern flare to this production and came together nicely, especially within the final number (a firm favourite to all the Barbie fans out there).
A joyous night out for anyone, Portobello’s panto this year is one to experience. Full of fun, laughter and unexpected moments, it really will put you in that Christmassy mood. I went in expecting not a lot and left with a massive smile on my face and my cheeks rosy from laughter. It was heartfelt, professional and a joy to watch. I would urge you to get a ticket now!
Get your tickets here – http://www.portypanto.com
Theatre Scotland 
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