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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
4:24 PM 23rd December 2021
arts

Cinderella - Panto Steps Back Into Action In Darlington

 
Faye Tozer leading the cast through the Steps medley at the finale
Faye Tozer leading the cast through the Steps medley at the finale
Apparently Staffordshire University is offering the world’s first Pantomime Degree though if anyone needs a lesson in how to run a panto then they need look no further than the current production of Cinderella running at the Darlington Hippodrome.

The show is a masterclass in what makes the perfect panto: a good script, a wealth of talent, beautiful costumes and scenery, along with great one liners.

With songs from BTS, Bryan Adams, Pink and Gloria Gaynor, along with local references to Billingham, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and of course, Darlington, the two hour show is an hilarious antidote from the challenges of the last eighteen months.

Faye Tozer from Steps is the leading cast member as Fairy Godmother. Although not on stage as long as some of the other characters, whenever she appeared she brightened up the stage with her charm and magic.

Patrick Monahan as Buttons has one of the biggest roles instantly building a rapport with the audience, magically appearing from out of a stack of empty boxes! His “Don’t touch the box” routine had the younger members of the audience calling out his name whenever anyone else in the cast tried to open the box, whilst some of his more risqué jokes were aimed at mums and dads.

Peter Peverley and Phil Corbitt as the Ugly Sisters, Hernia and Verruca, complete with Geordie accents, were excellent with costumes that were brighter than the colours of the rainbow.

Tanisha Butterfield plays innocent Cinderella, with Prince Charming played with ease by Jacob Leeson. There was an obvious chemistry between them and it worked well when they sang a duet.

Spin was as cool as a cucumber in his portrayal of Dandini, although I do not recall the character being able to dance so eloquently, as Spin.

No matter how many times you have seen the 12 Days of Christmas and the Trunk of Truth routines they both remain funny and engaging.

As Cinderella prepared to be taken to the Ball, 2 ponies and a carriage arrived making the youngster next to me nearly fall out of his seat with excitement.

Although the cast is small it never felt that way as many of the characters were larger than life.

The finale big wedding ended the panto on a high as Tozer, along with the rest of the cast, sung a 3 song medley of Steps songs ending with Tragedy – though the show is anything but, rather a joyful and entertaining blast of pure fun and entertainment.

Runs until Friday 31st December 2021
Box Office: 01325 405405
www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk