Panto Review: Russell Grant & Suzanne Shaw star in Cinderella at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Cinderella
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 16th December 2014

★★★★

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a great panto and Cinderella at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre makes all your dreams and wishes come true. Appealing to adults as well as children, the production features sparkling sets and terrific costumes as well as plenty of witty one-liners.

The audience were definitely in the panto mood, cheering and clapping along to the advertisement which is screened before the panto even begins. 

Tim Hudson and Dave Lynn are perfectly cast as Cheryl and Mel, the ugly sisters who complement each other perfectly in the most outrageous costumes – there were gasps from the audience each time they stepped onstage.

My favourite costume was definitely the Christmas tree, particularly when a string of toilet rolls got caught up in the extravagant tree hat! It was absolutely hilarious to watch Cheryl slipping her foot into the glass slipper, you’ll have to go and see the show to see how she manages it.

Russell Grant stars as Baron Hardup and doesn’t miss an opportunity to throw in some Strictly Come Dancing gags and dance moves. Suzanne Shaw shines as the Fairy Godmother and Andy Collins is terrific as Buttons, hamming up his part at every opportunity (his daughter also appears in the juvenile ensemble).

Holly Brewer sings beautifully as Cinderella and looks sensational in her ballgown. It was quite remarkable to see two real ponies join the cast on stage for the act one finale! There was also falling snow and a magical transformation whilst Brewer sang ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen.

A fantastic Christmas production which will be enjoyed by all the family.

Reviewed by Suzanne Mayer

Cinderella runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Sunday 4th January 2014. Please visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre for further information and tickets.

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