‘It’s a Ball Party!’ – Cinderella, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 15.12.2022.
It’s that time of year again, oh yes it is! Christmas, and for theatre land in the UK that means the ever so entertaining pantomime graces the many stage of theatres!
This years production at the Orchard Theatre was the classic Cinderella, the handsome Prince is holding another of his glamorous Balls for the villagers, Cinderella a young beautiful village girl would love to go but is tied down by the chores her evil step sisters demand of her. Will she make it to the Ball? With the help of her many friends – oh yes she will!
Now there is something about a Panto that you can’t not find something you love about it! The dancing, singing, the glittery costumes and set, the comedy and the ever so entertaining audience participation! The Orchard Theatre was no exception to ensuring the magic of Pantomime was provided to the many seated in the audience and from the amazing reactions to the children they really provided. From the classic story to the brilliant comedy skits that all ages can enjoy – yes panto is not just for kids!
Headlining this years Panto is comedy star Bobby Davro in the role of Buttons, Davro is no stranger to Pantoland having performed in over 40 productions – you can tell why though as I couldn’t tell who was having more fun, him or the audience! Whenever, Davro was on stage he made sure that the audience laughed that made it exciting when he returned. The comedy skits he played alongside the brilliant Dames of the evening, the Evil Step sisters Verruca and Hernia were always a delight, and the sisters themselves were played excellently by Bobby Delaney and Damien Winchester. The three of them bounced off each other with great ease, Bobby and Bobby you could see how much fun they were having on stage with each other – must be a name thing! I have to mention the great skit that was the 12 days of Christmas, which had the audience in fits of laughter by Bobby Davro’s many adlibs that even had his co stars pondering what will he do next – I don’t want to give away too much away but that is one great reason just to see this show alone!
Stepping in the glass slippers of Cinderella is newcomer Ellie Jane Grant, Ellie had a warming tone to her voice and portrayed the innocent princess-to-be perfectly. Her Prince Charming, X Factors George Shelley was able to show is strong boy band singing voice through the many solo’s of the show! Assisting him was Dandini played by Dancing on Ice champion Reagan Gascoigne, I didn’t know what to expect from him but he blew me away and is a triple threat for sure with his excellent dance skills – not just on the ice! But also his great singing voice, along with his excellent comical timing he was great for the world of pantomime.
No matter what, when you come away from a Pantomime you are left in a good mood! There really is just something about it that without fail ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and Cinderella makes sure they provide just that! I secretly always look forward to these productions and I am very excited for the future when I can bring along my little girl to see her take in the magic! Because this is what this show is – Magic!
Playing until the Saturday 31st December 2022 at the Orchard Theatre, tickets are selling fast but if you want to support an amazing cast head to the website here, and get those final tickets while you can – before you are disappointed!
This Concluded my 2022 viewings, I have been very fortunate to be able to catch some great shows at the Orchard Theatre this year and I thank the amazing team for always looking after us at each viewing! Bring on 2023, I cant wait to see what my viewings have in store! Im already excited for next years Panto which has been announced as Beauty and the Beast – tickets are already on sale so grab them now right here!
