CINDERELLA
Middlesbrough Theatre
THE most magical pantomime of them all – Cinderella – is back at Middlesbrough Theatre this year and what a whopper of a show it is.
Yet again Extravaganza Productions has done a tremendous job in putting on a first-rate Christmas panto that punches way above its weight and leaves the audience in awe... and wanting more.
X Factor and West End star Amelia Lily, who hails from Boro, is back in her hometown for Christmas, playing the Fairy Godmother, whilst hugely popular funny man Philip Green – of Britain’s Got Talent, TV, YouTube and Tik Tok fame – is back brilliantly playing the loveable Buttons.
Everyone is star quality in this fun-packed, high-energy show, though.
Ugly sisters Daisy and Buttercup Hardup, played by Robert Laughlin and Charlie Bryant, are a delight, whilst Charley Robbie (Cinderella) and Daniel Breakwell (Prince Charming) have amazing voices that hold the attention of even the tiniest audience members.
They are joined by a talented group of cast members who keep the panto moving at pace with slapstick wit, great music, fab dancing and a huge helping of audience participation.
The two-hour show seems to disappear in a flash and the crowd totally bought in to the antics, which is always the best sign, I think, of how good a pantomime is.
Recommended reading:
- Snow White will leave you laughing, singing and feeling the Christmas spirit
- Pinocchio: Two hours of mayhem - and custard pies - in an absolute joy of a panto
- A veggie good show: Our review of Rapunzel at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
As for the costumes and set, once again Middlesbrough Theatre is really hitting the highest notes. When Cinders appears mid-air in her sparkling carriage, the audible gasps from both the young and old, including me, were notable.
Middlesbrough Theatre has been entertaining audiences for more than 65 years and panto has always been one of its biggest draws. I think my first Christmas show there was 49 years ago, but I actually think its panto gets better and better every year. It never fails to disappoint and this year’s offering is definitely one to remember.
Cinderella is at Middlesbrough Theatre until Sunday, January 7, 2024. To book tickets visit middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk or call 01642 815181.
Karen Westcott
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here