Cinderella 👠

#PRInvite #Gifted | There's no place on Earth you'd rather be than His Majesty's Theatre this December, and you're cordially invited! Grab your glass slippers and join Aberdeen Performing Arts for a royal night - remembering the best way to get to Pantoland is by… taxi!

Star rating: ★★★

Sequins, sparkles and stage magic awaits at His Majesty’s Theatre with this year’s Pantomime: ‘Cinderella’. Rounding out another successful run of shows at Aberdeen Performing Arts over the past twelve months, the ‘fairy godmother of all pantos’ is here to take us through December in style - pumpkins and glass slippers intact! Crossroads Pantomimes are well established for bringing the glitz and glamour to stages up and down the country every year, and this Christmas, audiences are being treated to an all-new and shiny principal line up. Whilst the cast are different; the sentiment is the same: you can always trust that His Majesty’s Theatre will pull out all the stops - and sometimes even a horse and carriage - to keep bellies sore and hearts full with their festive celebration.

Calling themselves the world’s foremost pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes certainly has the credentials to back it up. With a history of staging more than 700 of these holiday spectaculars, the company has created the perfect pantomime formula that consistently wins over the Aberdeen crowd. The show has an impressive five week run, including matinee performances - creating plenty of opportunities for families to catch a ride to the ball. A pantomime like this always starts out strong, with captivating costumes, local lingo and dazzling displays; but as the performances progress, I trust that audiences will experience even more magic.

‘Cinderella’ really needs no explanation. But from the offset, it is clear this pantomime is taking a new direction when the Dame says “if you look closely, you might spot a plot”. Whilst there are lots of recognisable elements from various Cinderella tales, this production’s story is almost ridiculously thin - and this is a real flaw of Crossroads Pantomimes. Whilst you can guarantee that each glittering production will leave you with starbursts for days, I find the very heart of the title is far removed. Also removed from this year’s panto is a sense of the Wicked Stepmother, with the comic Dame taking over as the stepsisters mother - a choice that’s almost as ill-fitting as a glass slipper on the wrong foot. Yet, removing a sense of story makes room for elongated scenes and sequences that aren’t completely necessary, but still bring a smile to everyone’s faces - boasting the classic ingredients audiences love and expect at a Crossroads Pantomime, as well as this year’s ‘Strictly’ spectacular.

Joe McFadden is this year’s Prince Charming and he is a real treat. McFadden and his sequined ensemble take to the stage in a dance-off and this is really fun. And yes, if you were wondering, KPOP Demon Hunters is featured in the show as expected!

Dawn Steele is Faerie Godmother, appearing throughout with a sparkle. Many may recognise her from her time on Granite Harbour, Shetland and Wild at Heart. Despite an impressive range of television involvements, I doubt she’ll be gracing our screens on The Voice - but, hey, it’s Panto!

Returning to the role of Buttons is Paul J Corrigan. He’s a firm hand at this now, and consistently delivers.

Never one to make an entrance, but with knobbly knees and a selection of wigs in tow, Alan McHugh doubles up as Baroness Heifer McHardup and the show’s writer/director. McHugh, now in his 21st year on the Aberdeen stage, never fails to have chemistry with any audience - despite slightly muted costuming this year. Saying that, his best moment comes near the end, and fans of the BBC might want to keep their eyes peeled and noses pinched.

Danielle Jam is Cinderella, and it is great to see her returning to a more central role after a few years supporting the main cast. Jam is another dependable, smiley face who charms with sweet vocals and choreography.

Joining team Aberdeen are Julie Coombe as Mhairi McHardup and Helen Logan as Eilidh McHardup - the show’s stepsisters. Though these two take on some ‘wicked’ tropes effortlessly, you’ll notice there are fewer opportunities to boo the villains as you’d expect from a pantomime - a direct flaw of the writing team and an unfortunate oversight.

Local loon Samuel Murray returns to tread the boards as Dandini. Murray is fantastic to watch throughout, serving strong choreography and vocals and with a generous sprinkle of camp mixed in. One of my favourite things about Crossroads Pantomimes is that they religiously attract the talent of those who grew up on Aberdeen stages - and Murray is the latest performing graduate to join in on the spectacle and offer audiences a sense of home.

The frontline performers are joined by Ruaraidh Blackwood, Rebecca Hazel Cunnigham, Dedei Hainey, Ailsa MacLean, Colin Marshall, Finn McFeely, Lucy Outram and Ryan Upton in the ensemble. These eight performers passionately bring some gorgeous routines choreographed by David Wood - and a great number about Union Square.

Wood’s choreography is billed at the top of the creative team, and deservedly so. The routines at the ball are captivating, balanced with an energetic opening number and show-stopping pumpkin tap number.

Teresa Nalton is this year’s costume designer, and whilst they are attractive and well made, they are more subdued in comparison to previous years. Whilst the production boasts a good-sized creative team, there aren’t many notable mentions for set design, lighting or sound which left me feeling slightly uninspired. Though I don’t want to be critical, and want to enjoy the light-hearted fun of panto, when tickets cost the price they do, it is important to strike a balance to make the hefty cost per family worth it. Truth be told, apart from the end of the first half - the other pantos have been better in this respect.

Twins Gary and Paul Hardy-Brown are involved in making every panto season magic and ‘Cinderella’ is no exception. Whilst I was underwhelmed by Cinderella’s dress transformation, her pumpkin carriage ride was a genuine spectacle - and its moments like these are where a love for theatre can be instilled in children and families. 

With cause for celebration, referenced heavily throughout is the success of the ‘dandy’ Dons, following victory earlier this year. For once, it seems that Aberdeen is not the butt of the joke and there is a real sense of pride for where we stay. Audiences can get involved in the song which concludes the show, with ample opportunity to cheer on the reds.

‘Cinderella’ is a glistening production which more than readies audiences for the festivities ahead. And just when you think you’re done with one, the team have already unveiled next year’s title: Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Even if the spectacle is toned down slightly this year, there’s “no place on Earth I’d rather be” than cosied up in the theatre, toe tapping my way through an enjoyable evening.