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CINDERELLA REVIEW Haslemere Hall January 2nd 2004 – Charity Gala Performance The festivities of Christmas and the New Year are over leaving just the tree, decorations and cards to come down on 12th night and – it’s pantomime time at the Haslemere Hall. The first night is traditionally the Charity Gala Performance, promoted by Haslemere Rotary Club and it was a full house. Barbara Thomas, Chairman of the Thespians, introduced Rae Boxell, President Elect, who told the audience that the Charities being supported this year are Chase Hospital (for permanently ill children) at Loseley and the Citizens Advice Bureau in Haslemere. Haslemere Thespians’ new production of Cinderella was written by Guy Davenport and Adam Forde, and directed by the latter. It is a good production, to the eye and ear and, for an audience of all ages full of opportunities to join in with the ‘he’s behind you’, ‘oh no it isn’t’ routines and, for the alert, there are plenty of good ‘in’ jokes. The cast is well chosen, not only for their looks and acting skills but also for their voices and dancing. Vicki Gavin and Alisa Creaser as Dandini and Prince Charming make a delightful pair of ‘trouser role’ characters, have excellent voices and, as with the rest of the cast, no microphones (hurrah!). Cinderella acted, sung and danced by Emily Davenport, with a fragile innocence throughout - a very talented young lady. Will Keith’s Buttons has timing, polish and a delivery which suggests more appearances on the stage. The Ugly Sisters played by Rob Lloyd and David Wynne were very funny and slick with their moves. The bruising that Terry Denman and Richard Milla, as Zips and Velcro were acquiring was painful to watch! To mention all 25 members of the cast by name is too much but everyone was in character throughout the production. The inclusion of characters from other pantos such as Captain Hook and the re-named 7 dwarfs added a fun dimension. Teresa Marsh, the Fairy Godmother ably linked the scenes together delivering her words with clarity and wisdom. The dancers, all pretty girls, thistledown light on their feet had such wonderful choreography to dance; in particular I was mesmerised by the superb transformation of the rats and pumpkin into the coach and horses. Fabulous. Now back stage, behind the red curtains, a mention must be made to those who give up so much of their time to make the production such a success, again far too many to mention by name but Set Design Alan English, Lighting Design Richard Oldham, Choreography Angela Cantan, Musical Director Tony McIntee are to be congratulated and then the Wardrobe - so much work to dress so many people, so many changes of costume, and so good to the eye, congratulations are due to Meriel Davenport and Lesley Hill. To be picky and mention a bad point, would Prince Charming and Dandini really have kept their hats on while at the ball, tsk, tsk! In places it was a little long drawn out but it was the first night! A good wholesome panto and for those who haven’t had time to get tickets hurry and call the Hall (01428 642161) for the remaining performances – it is too good to miss.
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