From the moment the curtain rose on the Opera House stage there was magic in the room and everyone was transported into a world of laughter and light. It had fun, frolics, wit and so much warmth that they probably could have turned the heating off in the theatre.
This was a panto with a distinctly northern edge. It was laid-back and friendly, with enough jokes to keep the kids amused but also plenty of gags for the adults that would easily sail over younger heads. Topical jokes were thrown in and there were a few ad-libs when things on stage didn’t go as planned. This show was early on in the run, but you could feel that the cast was having a great time.
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella and there was little jeopardy or drama on stage. This panto was not particularly concerned with the narrative but was really a series of sketches, routines and songs. That is not a criticism as each set piece was a masterpiece in comedy or performance and I am not sure the audience was really bothered about the plot as they all knew what was going to happen next.
The star of the show, Jason Manford (Prince Charming), lived up to his top billing. He is such a natural performer with a tremendous singing voice and an easy charm. Pantomime is all about performance and it is not an acting job as such. This is why it is perfect for a stand-up comic at the top of his game. His ability to deliver an act worked perfectly and he made it all look so easy.
Ben Nickless (Buttons) is an assured panto performer, and he was able to display his skills as an impersonator and is an impressive comic actor. His double-act routines with Manford were very funny and his timing was top-notch. You could feel his mind was constantly trying to work out how he could make each situation even funnier.
Sarah Vaughan (Cinderella) as the heroine had a luminous voice and was extremely engaging. Her character was all sweetness and light, but she was able to show her comic skills in a well-worked slapstick section with Manford and Nickless.
Everyone loves a baddie and Myra DuBois (Baroness Myra Fortuna) did not disappoint. Her running joke with a member of the audience and her camp put-downs were hilarious. A class act who was in command of all she surveyed and was able to see the comic potential in a scene even if it had not gone quite to plan.
Wendy Mae Brown (Fairy Godmother), Liz Carney (Vindicta Fortuna) and Chloe Chesworth (Manipulata Fortuna) didn’t get much time to shine but when they did have their moment they truly sparkled. Unfortunately, the Fairy Godmother’s wand was not as magical as it should have been and when it fell apart the cast was on hand to make comic capital out of the situation.
The last word has to be given to the staging and the stagecraft. At the end of the first act, there was a spectacular special effect that was worth the admission fee on its own. The costumes and set design were magnificent and the whole show was top class.
At the end, there was a standing ovation, and it was clear that kids and adults alike had had a wonderful time, my friend told me she had been crying with laughter. We left the Opera House and ventured into the cold night air with a warm glow and an extremely happy heart.
It continues to the 5th January at The Opera House – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella/opera-house-manchester/
Reviewer: Adam Williams
Reviewed: 17th December 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
