"Cinderella - The family show of the year"
I just LOVE Christmas!!! All the preparation that you do, wrapping gifts, the tree and tinsel, the turkey, seeing family and friends..Phew!!!...but once the big day comes and goes (like it has) what is there that will keep you feeling all Christmassy all the way into to the new Year??
A traditional magical, sparkling panto with real gorgeous white Shetland ponies - that's what! oh no it isn't...oh yes it is!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist the chance to write that!)
Cinderella is at MK Theatre and it is the perfect way to treat all the family to a great night out. It's such fantastic entertainment for the young and young at heart!
Cinderella, has all the perfect ingredients for the classic panto - cheesy songs, even cheesier jokes, too much glitter and THE campest Dandini you will EVER see?!!
Louis Spence (of Sky 1's smash hit series Pineapple Dance Studios) tops the bill as the flexible friend to the Prince Charming (Andrew Derbyshire)
Spence is hilarious from start to finish - he spins, twirls and pirouettes across the stage with enviable enthusiasm - the audience absolutely loved him..."we love you Louis" echoed around the theatre, he totally shone!
The beautiful down trodden Cinders is played by the CITV presenter Anna Williamson, she was as cute as a button and gave her all on stage. Her voice lacked a bit of oomph but that didn't detract from her enjoyable performance.
The comedy throughout the show was all thanks to Kev Orklan as Buttons. Orklan was able to showcase a little of his skills on the piano in a very funny sketch to keep him in the spot light on stage. It's the usual mix of double entendre's and slap stick comedy - he made the whole theatre literally fall about laughing, just with his facial expressions!!
John Barr and Paul Burnham play the boo-able the ugly sisters - any panto wouldn't be complete without the men in drag!!?? The costumes are stunning, very clever - big, bright and just so OTT... Just brilliant!
The vocal highlight was most definitely courtesy of Denise Pearson, never has the Fairy God Mother sounded so good!!
For Pearson (Brit Award winner, Grammy Nominee and former lead singer with 80's pop group Five Star) this was her first panto appearance. Luckily, there's not a lot of acting or dialogue needed for this role, but it didn't matter that the performance was a little wooden, her vocal talent shone through. She still has an amazing vocal range, so much so, I wanted to hear more!
The live music, the laughter that rings in your ears and the silly songs that you hum as you leave - all adds up to a magical experience that is perfect for all the family to share.
Book it now and keep that Christmas spirit going!!
To book tickets go to www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Lily B X
