‘Pantos are for children’ is a common misconception this year’s production of Cinderella at the Manchester Opera House has undoubtedly disproved.
From risqué verbal humour and cracking impressions to traditional slapstick, director Gary Lloyd’s Cinderella ticked every box.
Tear-jerkingly funny, putting both parents and children on the edge of their seats, the cast delivered a gag filled performance on a twist on a classic fairytale to thrill all ages.
Having not seen a panto in around 15 years, I must admit I was not expecting to enjoy the performance quite as much as I did.
The stand out performer to me was none other than Ben Nickless (Buttons), who found fame on Britain’s Got Talent for his impressions of different celebrities.
The Rochdale local was back for his 20th pantomime season – delivering slapstick, impressions and singing that left the audience in stitches.
Nickless had the audience rooting for him, in his (unsuccessful) quest for Cinderella’s heart.
Jason Manford (Prince Charming) also returned for his third pantomime season at the Opera House.
The Salford-born comic lead the charge as the dashing prince looking for his one true love, Cinderella (Sarah Vaughan).
Vaughan captured the hearts of the audience with her angelic singing, while Manford not only wowed with his comedic performance, but reminded the audience of his powerhouse singing ability.
And storming the stage, blocking Prince Charming and Cinderella’s happily ever after was none other than the fabulous Baroness Myra Fortuna (Myra Dubois) and her wicked step daughters, Vindicta Fortuna (Liz Carney) and Manipulata Fortuna (Chloe Chesworth).
The troublesome trio stayed true to the expectation of the panto baddie, earning heckles from audience members as they toyed with Cinderella’s future.
But who to the rescue? None other than Cinderella’s fairy godmother of course.
Wendy Mae Brown covered the stage in sparkles as Cinderella’s saviour.
With a bibbity, boppity, boo Cinderella was whisked to the ball – albeit with her fairy godmother breaking her wand in the process!
Each performer made sure no audience member was exempt from the Christmas chaos – breaking the fourth wall at all times.
From children brought onto the stage, to dad’s a part of gags, Cinderella delivered a perfect balance of traditional fun for children and jaw dropping jokes for the adult audience members.
As the show came to a close, Manford thanked the cast, technical crew and audience in a heart warming speech.
He said: “We never take it for granted how much of a privilege it is to spend this time with you.”
Cinderella is being performed at the Manchester Opera House between Saturday 14 Dec 2024 and Sunday 5 Jan 2025.
You can still purchase tickets for the punchy panto here.
All Images: Paul Coltas, with permission
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