Review: Cinderella at Royal & Derngate, Northampton

The classic pantomime Cinderella is certainly not lacking in spectacle, humour and energy at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate.
Cinderella at Royal & DerngateCinderella at Royal & Derngate
Cinderella at Royal & Derngate

The story is based on the much-loved fairytale of the same name and there is plenty to enjoy.

The cast have a whale of a time on stage and seem to enjoy trying to get their fellow cast members to laugh. But their enjoyment is infectious.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alison Jiear has beautiful singing voice and it is showcased right from the start with a spectacularly appropriate entrance for a Fairy Godmother figure.

Her voice is fine tune throughout and her rendition of One Night Only is a fantastic climax to the first act. That moment is worth the price of the entrance fee alone.

Danny Posthill keeps plenty of gags and impressions coming in Buttons. I have to admit I wasn’t familiar with the impressionist before the pantomime but aside from the spot on impressions of Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr and even Sarah Millican, he is an excellent deliverer of jokes.

Sid Sloane as Dandini gives the Prince a run for his money in the charming stakes but is brilliant with the little ones.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Prince Charming, former Eastenders star John Partridge fulfills the heroic role well and gives it plenty of gusto. There is a moment or two for the ladies to enjoy as well. Opposite him, Rachel Flynn is an excellent Cinderella and destined for stardom.

Ben Stock and Bobby Delaney are ugly sisters Rita and Cheryl and strike a fine line between villainy and hilarity and provide plenty of dastardly moments of evil and ooodles of camp charm.

It is a fantastic spectacle and its set pieces are truly magical and kudos to Qdos for putting on a top quality production.

You are likely to be laughing a lot throughout the pantomime and there’s some saucy jokes to keep the adults entertained. It is a panto the whole family will thoroughly enjoy.

Cinderella can be seen until Sunday January 3. For tickets call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.