From the moment the sparkly curtain rises at The Marina Theatre to reveal the full stage for the Lowestoft Players’ production of Cinderella right through to the finale, it’s impossible not to smile!
The colourful and detailed staging provided by Scenic Projects Ltd, Lowestoft creates an everchanging background for the brilliant characters created for this show. The special effects are clever and even have the odd touch of magic. The live band accompanying those on stage play with gusto.
Ugly Sisters Botox (Hannah Lucas) and Detox (Chris Tanton-Willis) from the Lowestoft Players’s production of Cinderella
Without giving too many spoilers away as the Pantomime runs until Sunday (28th January), first on stage is one of the most sparkly Fairy God-Mother ever seen (Paula Crisp). She is soon followed by the production’s namesake Cinderella (Bethan Roscoe) and Buttons (Alexander Bracey). All three give outstanding performances throughout the performance, showcasing their great acting, comedic timing and singing skills, as do the remaining characters and ensemble who take to the stage as the story unfolds.
The very colourful and talented Cinderella ensemble (members of the Lowestoft Players)
The musical numbers demonstrate the talent of all cast members as they sing and dance in time to the catchy tunes. The colourful and coordinated costumes and brilliant banter between the characters keeps the audience captivated. A special mention must be given to the Ugly Sisters – Botox (Hannah Lucas) and Detox (Chris Tanton-Willis) who had the audience in fits of laughter, particularly during the slap-stick scene when not quite everything went to plan!
Audience participation must be mentioned too, a tradition of pantomime, and for this production audience participation towards the end of the show takes an unexpected and very clever twist!
Fairy God Mother (Paula Crisp) and Cinderella (Bethan Roscoe). All sets provided by Scenic Projects Ltd, Lowestoft
Co-Director of Cinderella, Ric Gardner-Collis said “I’m so enjoying being part of this magical production. The cast have been such a pleasure to work with and it’s been fantastic to see their characters develop and grow throughout the rehearsal period.”
He added “What really brings the show to life is hearing the children (and adults) in the audience shouting to the characters, as per panto tradition, as the plot thickens!”
This is definitely a production not to be missed.
Tickets for the remaining performances of Cinderella are available from www.lowestoftpanto.co.uk or telephone The Marina Theatre’s Box Office on 01502 533200.
All photographs taken by Stephen Wilson from The Lowestoft Players