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Review by Lara Newton (06-Dec-06) [ Young Critics' Circle Review ]
This pantomime brought the fairytale of Cinderella to life. The lights, costumes and sing-along songs enthused the audience and children waved their sparkling wands from the stalls enwrapped in the magic on stage.
Kenneth Alan Taylor did not disappoint with this, his 23rd consecutive pantomime at the Nottingham Playhouse, and it’s raved to be one of “the most exhilarating of them all”. It was a fresh and modern interpretation of the classic fairytale and despite including all the features typical of a regular pantomime (“it’s behind you, etc…”) it did not become stale. The audience remained mesmerised by the fabulous glitter-mad set design, and the fairytale world on stage became enchanted from lights-up.
The spectacle on stage was heightened by the entrance of the ugly sisters, played by Jeffrey Longmore and John Elkington. This year’s dames were better than ever with the extravagant costumes and sparking witty replies to audience banter. The pair bounced off each other and were highly amusing, and the panto would have been amiss without the huge frolicking head-dresses and feather ball gowns they modelled so entertainingly.
The performance involved a lot of audience participation (as expected) and the on-running jokes and sing-along songs maintained an air of excitement throughout the theatre. This performance is certain to re-light every little girl’s dream of becoming a princess, and it ticked all the boxes needed for a successful pantomime.
I thoroughly enjoyed the production and judging by the cheers throughout and the show, so did the rest of the audience.
Review by Hayley Gittins (06-Dec-06) [ Young Critics' Circle Review ]
With the end of the year fast approaching and Christmas just around the
corner, at the Playhouse this can only mean the performance of yet another
great classic from the ‘King of Pantomime’, Kenneth Allen Taylor. His
offering this year is the brilliantly adapted ‘Cinderella’. The casting is
superb with the beautiful Cinderella and fairy Godmother, alongside the
loveable Buttons and not to forget the infamous two dames played by Jeffery
Longmore and John Elkington. With hilarious quips throughout, the dames are
a great source of hilarity within the play and they provide great
entertainment not only for the children watching but for the adults too. One
of the great things about Kenneth Allen Taylor’s writing is that it appeals
to such a wide range of audience with apparent ease and at many points the
adults around were laughing harder than the children.
One of the things that I really look forward to with the Playhouse’s
pantomimes is the breathtaking set and the imaginative costumes. I was in no
way disappointed and the cost of glitter paint this year must have again
been extremely high! The dames as usual sported the daring leopard print
ensembles as well as many others that must surely go down as classics. The
horse and carriage were beautifully constructed and must have added to the
realness felt by all of the children watching. The use of contemporary music
alongside classics again allowed the panto to appeal to a wide range of
audience, and the Prince singing James Morrison’s recent hit for me, had to
be one of the best.
With the panto, you know that you are in for a good night. An easy
viewing piece that has much involvement not only from the children but from
many of the adults as well. Kenneth Allen Taylor has surpassed himself yet
again and created a masterpiece that appeals to anyone in need of a good
night out. Highly recommended
Review by Caroline Jones (05-Dec-06) [ Young Critics' Circle Review ]
With Christmas gradually approaching, it is the ideal time to visit the pantomimes that make our December that little bit more traditional.
One pantomime worth considering is Cinderella, on at the Nottingham Playhouse from 24 November 2006 - Saturday 20 January.
Those who frequently attend Nottingham’s annual dose of fairytale fun will no doubt get that usual homely feeling so common with the Playhouse’s pantomimes. Even first-timers will be keen to return for next year’s show after seeing this delightful gem.
What perhaps makes Cinderella so special is the fact it brims with all the conventions and aspects you would expect in such a performance. The dame, the hero, the heroine, they are all there. The only thing missing is a strong villain, but amongst the rest of the colourful cast, it isn’t that essential.
As per usual, director Kenneth Alan Taylor has put his magical touch on it. He makes each pantomime somewhat unique, without resorting to celebrity casts or over-the-top antics.
The performance is also enhanced by the great staging and acting. Exceptional performances come from Jeffrey Longmore and John Elkington as the ugly sisters, Richard Kay as the shy but sweet Buttons and Dandini, the prince’s aid, played by Nathan Dowling.
There’s very little reason why Cinderella should not be at the top of the must-see pantomime list. A great cast, beautiful set, constant humour and the spirit of Christmas are just a few of the many things to enjoy from the Nottingham Playhouse’s production of Cinderella.
Review by Charlotte Tomlinson (01-Dec-06) [ Young Critics' Circle Review ]
I settled down to watch this years pantomime safe in the knowledge that it would be a hilarious, sparkling, brilliant production, and I was left in no way disappointed! Kenneth Alan Taylor latest escapade, the 23rd consecutive pantomime created by him for the playhouse, is based around the story of Cinderella. As usual, the two dames, played by Jeffrey Longmore and John Elkington, stole the show with their hilarious one-liners and extensive ad-libbing. They were a perfect double act as the Ugly Sisters, the aptly named Bella and Donna, but that’s not to say that the rest of the cast weren’t superb as well!
The set and costume design are of equal importance to the acting in this production and it is obvious that no expense was spared in creating the glittering, sumptuous set and an array of dazzling costumes. Especially entertaining were the ridiculously over the top ensembles worn by the dames. The music was also wonderful, I especially liked the inclusion of the new James Morrison track Wonderful World, (sung surprisingly well by Prince Charming!)
What really stood out for me in this production was the involvement of the audience, creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere, especially during the sing-song at the end. Also, don’t be put off by thinking that Cinderella will only appeal to children. Judging by the screams of laughter around me it seemed as though the adults were enjoying the show as much as, if not more, than the kids.
A poetic response by Naomi Foster (01-Dec-06) [ Young Critics' Circle Review ]
A Different World
Let me take you on a whirlwind ride
And whip you off your feet,
Draw you into a different world
And drop you in an unknown street.
This is a world where everything glitters
And those glints really are gold.
This is a land where children are kings
And none of us can grow old.
Let the music flow around you,
Each song carry you away,
As all the excitement rises inside
And you wait for a new magic day.
The gentle candlelight is whisperingly warm,
The cold stars shine their beauty down,
This world is made of glistening light
And I lead you now to your crown.
For in this land every girl is a princess,
Each boy a prince strong and tall,
Magic reigns and fairies are queens,
With laughter riding over all.
Your dress is a gown of rustling silk,
In folds of shimmering blue.
Your long hair braided with glowing colours
And changing in each place you pass through.
You feel so at home in this land of light
Where each dance raises a cheer
And as you fade back to reality you know
That in your heart, you remain always here.
Theatreworld internet magazine review (27-Nov-06)
Cinderella
Written and directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor
It seems to come as standard practice at this time of year to give a superb review to the panto at the Nottingham Playhouse but once again they have hit the jackpot and excelled themselves, this time with Cinderella, the biggest favourite of them all. It’s glitter all the way with maximum credit to Terry Parsons, whose set and costume designs are just fabulous. There’s a hint of Walt Disney to the fairytale castle, and magic all the way with the crystal coach and ponies, the sumptuous ballroom, the woodland idyll and the wedding roll call, to pick out but a few scenes.
Writer and director, Kenneth Alan Taylor knows all the ingredients for true panto and they were all there but never laboured. The show cracks a steady pace, lasting two and a half hours and managed to keep a very wide audience enthralled this afternoon. Babies, families, school parties, a large group of adults with severe special needs plus a few senior citizens were all captivated by the colour, the music, the fireworks, the humour, the dancing and the audience participation. It’s not an easy ride for the actors but even this early in the run the cast delivered a very slick production.
Obviously we must single out the dames, Bella (John Elkington) and Donna (Jeffrey Longmore). Dames, of course, never come singly at Nottingham. You get double trouble! They are a contrasting pair and not only because of their frocks! Elkington is the more outgoing of the two but they both managed some good repartee, giving the children their heads but then nicely reigning in the boisterousness. ‘Uncle Johnnie’, as John Morton, the music director, is affectionately titled in panto season, got the atmosphere going with plenty of verve from his band. There was some good ensemble singing, especially from Cinders (Francesca Ellis), Prince Charming (Giles Alderson) and Dandini (Nathan Dowling). Full marks to Richard Kay as Buttons for his verve and warm personality. Add a pretty fairy godmother (Rebecca Little) and a foolish baron (John Gully) and you have a strong cast.
There is less of an evil element in the production of this fairytale than in many others so it isn’t too scary. It has potential for a different audience reaction when the balance of the audience is on the older side. There’ll be more support for the initial barrage of gags that were so quick they produced little laughter this afternoon. A very noisy start upset one or two of the children, which made for some disruption, but the actors pressed on confidently and we all soon settled in to a great time.
It isn’t Christmas if it isn’t panto. If you are within range of Nottingham this season, treat yourself and the whole family to a wonderful show.
Cinderella is playing from Friday 24 November 2006– Saturday 20 January 2007
Tickets: from £13.50
For information and booking, call the Box Office on 0115 941 9419
Elaine Peel - Theatreworld Internet Magazine
Derby Evening Telegraph review (27-Nov-06)
Entertaining helping of slapstick and singalong
Review
BY EMMA SHAW
FAMILIAR faces made a welcome return to Nottingham Playhouse for this year’s pantomime, Cinderella.
Among them was Jeffrey Longmore as Ugly Sister Donna, who, with support from sibling Bella (John Elkington, another Playhouse favourite), proved himself a master of the art of pantomime. Longmore’s dry and sardonic style is a highlight of the show and he captured the audience’s attention throughout.
The Ugly Sisters’ arrival on stage in monstrous outfits of fake fur and feathers was just the first of an array of fabulous frocks from the two dames.
The gags will make you groan (as, of course, they should), the topical references will make you smirk and the musical ensemble of popular tunes should have you hand-clapping in no time.
The set, designed by Terry Parsons, glittered, shone and sparkled in true fairytale style. It was a dazzling display of colour and little princesses will lap up the distinctly “girlie” feel to this year’s production.
Perhaps this rags-to-riches romance might not hold as much appeal for the boys as previous years, but they should find solace in a generous helping of slapstick and singalongs.
It is director and writer Kenneth Alan Taylor’s 23rd panto for the theatre and the loyal audience clearly knew what to expect. However, audience participation on the night in question was particularly boisterous, with some members sadly finding their own quips more entertaining than the actors on stage.
BBC Nottingham online review (27-Nov-06)
Cinderella @ Nottingham Playhouse
By Nigel Bell
Big wigs, big lights, big songs. Kenneth Alan Taylor’s panto is back again. All the favourites are in place…and yet…
First blow for the dads heading to the Nottingham Playhouse this pantomime season – there’s no principal boy in this production of Cinderella with Giles Anderson taking on the role of Prince Charming. No thigh slapping. Boo.
Double Dames
But Cinderella does mean you get a double helping of the panto dame – in this case the ugly sisters, Bella and Donna, played by Jeffrey Longmore and John Elkington.
So expect double the outrageous costumes with highlights this year a couple of fake fur numbers and a duo of black and white outfits topped by panda hats. Clearly something that pleased Notts County supporter and leading Nottingham actor / writer, Billy Ivory, who I spied in the audience.
Laughs
Let’s not spoil all the fun but try these for size:-
“I’ve got the face of a film star”
“Shrek”
“I’m from Mansfield.”
“Mansfield – then I’ll talk slowly.”
And regulars from last season’s Dick Whittington will be reassured that the “butter” joke makes a new appearance.
Throw in some up to date I’m a Celebrity jokes and hot off the press Downtown songs and Kenneth Alan Taylor’s obviously been touching up his masterpiece right until the last minute.
The stars
You can’t fault the eight principal actors – each brings something to the performance. Bella and Donna steal the show (as expected) but special mention for Richard Kay’s Buttons if only because he managed to maintain a goofy grin throughout the whole three hours of the show.
This year, especially, I’ve got to mention the dancers – great costumes and great routines that enhance the production rather than being filler in between scenes.
And designer Terry Parsons must be congratulated on some special sets.
Key moments
Cinders stuck in the wood post glitzy ball when all the woodland creatures come to life. Aw bless, perfect for the little ones.
The broken down car – the slapstick moment of the production which, good as it was, didn’t quite live up to previous years especially the plate smashing sequence several productions ago. We want more.
Too many songs?
This production of Cinderella could well have the catchphrase “you’re never more than two minutes from another song and dance routine.” Boy do they cram them in.
Don’t get me wrong, each song is well sung with good dance routines but by act three it was getting to the stage of thinking “not another song.”
The problem was the increased song quota meant the laugh count seemed to be lower than usual. Scenes needed more time to breath, I wanted more banter between the ugly sisters, more freedom to interact with the audience.
The kids view
A minor quibble and it’s only that the Playhouse show is always of such high quality that you look for that little bit extra.
Here are the views that count – Rowen, Bethany and Ellie are all 12.
Ellie: “Brilliant. I liked the dancing, especially the lizard and badger. The outfits were so cool. At one point the tall one (Donna) looked like a mint humbug”
Rowen: “I loved the sets. The glitter hypnotised you. The dancing was great all the way through.”
Bethany: “It was really, really good. I liked it when the girl (in the audience) kept shouting out and the actors had to make up something on the spot.”
4/5
Nottingham Evening Post review (27-Nov-06)
CITY TRADITION IS ALWAYS A JOY
Cinderella, Playhouse, Saturday 25th November
THE Playhouse pantomime is a magical part of Nottingham’s cultural heritage. After all, what is Christmas without the trip to Wellington Circus?
For the past 23 years the man conjuring up the festive spell has been Kenneth Alan Taylor - the Santa of the stage script. His fame as a panto dame may be a memory now, but in directing and producing Cinderella his golden touch is still present, and he has given the city the most glittery, sparkling, fun-packed gift we could have wished for.
The man himself joined us in the stalls on Saturday’s opening night, and it was clear he has lost none of the enthusiasm and joy which has made his panto a must-see event.
But what is it that makes the Playhouse production so special?
It’s a magic potion of cosy familiarity, homespun mucking-in, and tittering on the brink. It’s the same old routines and jokes, but nothing vulgar. There’s no one particularly famous - celebrities don’t get in here. But there’s no need for a star when this team can ad lib till Easter (you can never be sure when the show will end). There are cheesy songs, plenty of mid-show encores and audience involvement. And that’s why we love it.
But what really makes it stand out are the highest standards of acting, singing and dancing (the marvellous chorus are young, local dancers).
The stars of the show, as ever, are the dames. Jeffrey Longmore and John Elkington as the ugly sisters Donna and Bella are as loveable as they are hilarious. Their sense of fun is infectious...
Another favourite is Richard Kay as poor old Buttons who wins the audience’s heart, if not Cinderella’s. She, as we all know, falls for the charms of Prince Charming (Giles Aldersen). Well, money talks even in fairy tales.
Francesca Ellis is every little girl’s vision of the pretty Cinders, but there’s nothing meek about her. She could give Dusty Springfield a run for her money with her belting rendition of Take Another Little Piece of My Heart in a superb medley of soul and gospel numbers.
Rebecca Little, as the Fairy Godmother, Nathan Dowling as Dandini and John Gully as Baron Hardup add to a cast every child feels is their friend by the end of the night. Perhaps it’s because we’re just so close to the stage.
And what a stage. Designer Terry Parsons’ amazing sets won glittering praise from everyone in the interval conversations.
So thank you once again Kenneth for a wonderful Christmas present. To pick up on your programme notes, it was a pleasure to "escape the outside world and all its problems for two hours."
Sharon Mitchell
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