‘The Fairy Godmothers of All Pantomines’ Cinderella, Orchard Theatre, Dartford, 12.12.2017
It was back to the Pantomime world once again, but this time for Dartford’s own at the Orchard Theatre. The classic Cinderella was tonight’s viewing, which was my first ever Pantomime I saw when I was little, with Brian Connelly starring as Buttons. I was looking forward to seeing how it had changed.
Tonight I was based in the stalls Row R seat 25, in the aisle I had plenty of leg room and a view to suit. All the stage could be seen throughout, with faces visible at all times.
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, the tale of a young girl who is treated like a slave by her evil step mother (Baroness Demonica), and her evil ‘ugly’ step sisters (Alesha and Amanda). She dreams of a better world and the return of her father, and with the help of her best friend Buttons and Fairy Godmother she is able to attend the grand ball and in doing so stumbles across her true love Prince Charming! Entertainment for all, this pantomime, has love, laughs, and magic throughout for all ages.
Like many of current Pantomimes there is something for all ages, seriously Pantomimes are not just for kids! But it is a great way to get them into theatre, the auditorium was 
full of very exciting children and it was great to see! The production displayed a great nights entertainment, which was full of energy throughout. The set looked incredible, along with the special effects and glitter, you were whisked away to a magical fairy tale land! What I loved was that along with some well known musical numbers ‘Shut up and Dance with me’ ‘I Just Wanna be Part of your Sympathy’ and ‘One Night Only; they also brought in brand new songs, such as ‘At the Orchard’ as well as their own take on ‘I Will Survive’ performed by the ugly step sisters. It was great to see that they were bringing something different to music numbers. Along with the music there was great choreography, and that wasn’t just by one of the stars. Director Michael Vivian pulled out all the stops to make this Pantomime special, from the jokes and audience participation to the surprise appearance of two adorable miniature white ponies! They say never work with Kids and animals but Michael made it look easy.
But it wouldn’t be a pantomime without a cast, and this show had a goodun!
Cinderella – Jayne Wisener
Baroness Demonica- Michelle Collins
Buttons – Phil Butler
Alesha – Simon Jessop
Amanda – Charles Brunton
Prince Charming – Luke Kelly
Dandini – Louie Spence
The Fairy Godmother – Suzie Chard
Ensemble – Laura Marie Benson, Jo Bird, Samantha Francis, Louis Anthony Geirnaert, Daniel Perry, Lauren Woolridge. 
I
t was a great night for top Celebrities in this production, Louie Spence as Dandini took to the stage like a natural for Pantomine, he had the jokes for the adults, and the attitude to get the kids laughing – and that wasn’t only by his twerking. His Prince Charming Luke Kelly, also looked perfect for the role with the looks to leave the audience swooning, his singing at times was lovely to listen to but he did have a few slip up with the some notes but you were ‘charmed’ by in instantly when he walked on stage.
The title princess Cinderella was portrayed by Jayne Wisener, having known her from Tim Burton’s Sweeny Todd film, I was excited to see her sing in real life! She had a great number, but I would have loved to have heard more as she was by far the best singer of the night. Her Cinderella was sweet, and loveable which was clearly received by the audience who stayed with her throughout her story. Her Evil Step-Mother was EastEnders star Michelle Collins, who knew how to work the audience as the baddie of the night! But along with bad there is always good for Cinderella, this came in the form of Buttons her best friend performed by Phil Butler, comedian, ventriloquist, and juggler gave his all in the performance, with the audience eating out of his hand. The kids loves him and I’m sure the adults did too. He was a perfect fit to Buttons, providing some great comic moments, one personal highlight was his dance number with a balloon and Louie Spence – it had the audience laughing throughout!
Tonights classic Pantomime Dame act was not one but two lovely ladies, as the ugly step sisters. Simon Jessop and Charles Brunton took on costume changes like no other as Alesha and Amanda, that made you excited to see what else they could wear! Personally I loved the Biscuit, Cornetto number, but you will just have to go and see what else they had on! They were a great duo act, working the audience along with the show. 
Cinderella is a guaranteed entertaining night, that you will come away liking what you saw. It is a classic Pantomime with everything included, the number during Preparing for the Wedding scene is a highlight in themselves and how Louie, Phil, Simon, and Charles do that every night is beyond me but it had me chuckling throughout! Its a great family day/evening out, that will not disappoint, and leave you in the holiday sprit!
Cinderella performs at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford until the 31st December for all ticket information go here. Treat your family out to a night in theatre!
