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Magical festive show
It only seems a few weeks since the coloured wands and whirly things were out at the Pomegranate, but here it is, panto time again.
It's the theatre's 60th anniversary year, so the natural choice is everybody's favourite, Cinderella. The first night was a near-full house of kids, mums, dads and grandparents, along with assorted other adults ready to join in the fun.
And join in they did, haranguing the Ugly Sisters, yelling for Buttons when his teddy bear was in danger, warning 'Behind You!' when the bogeyman turned up in the set piece scene outside the spooky castle.
Bruce James Productions certainly know how to throw a good panto. From the first thunderflash heralding the appearance of the maternal Fairy Godmother (Sarah Whitlock) right through to the glittering finale, this one has everything a Christmas show could need.
There are bad jokes in abundance, old, new and local. The dancers are lively, if a tad underdressed for the snowy landscape. Emma Wood is a sweet-voiced Cinders alongside her tuneful Prince (Reed Sinclair).
It's a panto brimming with moments of delight. The magnificent warring Ugly Sisters Whitney and Britney (Paul Morse and Ian Ganderton) perform a hilarious traditional striptease complete with tassels, all in the worst possible taste, of course. The winged horse pulling Cinderella's carriage is positively magical. Even George Telfer adds a few chorus-girl kicks to his apt solo Money Money Money at the ball — and as Baron Hardup he doesn't have a lot to do.
And just when you think it's nearly over, Buttons (David Martin) and poseur Derbyshire-lad Dandini (Darren Tough) do a competitive double act over the song sheet.
I sat alongside seven-year-old Jasmine and her nana, who both got thoroughly involved — but then it was impossible not to. Cinderella runs 'til January 3.
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Weather for Chesterfield
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
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