Intrepid reviewer Nia James (aged 9) takes a trip to the Sheffield Lyceum and casts a critical eye over their latest festive offering, Cinderella.
Every year, I see the Sheffield Theatres Pantomime and each year they never let me down! We all know the story of Cinderella pretty well I think, but there are some modern twists in this festive version.
As a result of this story being a pantomime, it has popular songs and funny jokes all round. Carly Rae Jepson’s ‘Good Time’ appears near the start of the production – a great song to kick off a fabulous stage show like this. As per usual, there was plenty of booing and hissing for the baddies; plenty of audience participation, the ‘it’s behind you’ sketch, and loads more great pantomime ingredients! When I looked around me, people were laughing, smiling, giggling – everyone seemed to be having a lovely time.
I found it very funny when the ugly sisters – played by Ian Smith and Michael J. Batchelor – kept changing their costumes, as each of their styles were ridiculous. The ‘aren’t we gorgeous’ catchphrase was such fun, especially when we all shouted ‘NO!’ and they yelled back to us ‘SHUT IT!’.
As usual, Damian Williams – Sheffield Theatres Pantomime regular – makes you laugh throughout the show; only this time he’s a man! No dress in sight. Instead he plays the part of Buttons, Cinderella’s best friend. One of the things he does is a famous recent dance craze which has being going around the world for the last few months, and which appears towards the end of the first half. But his version is unique as it’s live and happening in Sheffield rather than on YouTube.
I found it totally amazing how quickly people changed costumes in between scenes. The most amazing one was Cinderella – played by Kate Quinnell – when she changes her dress, but other fabulous ones were definitely the ugly sisters as they had wigs and thick make up too!
One small criticism is that there weren’t as many well-known songs for the younger members of the audience as other years have had.
But overall it is a brilliant show. Watch out for a spectacular moment at the end of the first half and, people seated at the front of the stalls, make sure you don’t wear your best coat!
Cinderella runs at the Lyceum in Sheffield until 6 January, find more details here.