Review: Cinderella by All Souls Dramatic Club at The Atkinson, Southport
Phoot by Churchtown Photography
Who needs miserable Januarys?
Every year families in Southport can cheer ourselves up with the brilliant All Souls pantomimes which take place at The Atkinson.
Eight of us from our family went to enjoy the show today, and we’ve not missed it for years.
Every year we say it can’t possibly get any better; every year we’re proved wrong.
There is so passion that goes into this production, so much thought, so much energy, so much vibrancy.
The cast all look like they’re having the most fun you could have – the members of the audience are all just willing extras who love getting involved!
This year’s panto has been Cinderella: A Modern Family Pantomime.
The spectacular family show has taken families on a magical journey with loveable characters, stunning music, spellbinding staging and fun for all.
All Souls Dramatic Club has been performing at The Atkinson since the mid 1970s and watching the shows, or taking part in them, is a tradition that passes down generations of local families.
It’s brilliant – Soputhport’s strength is its arts and cultural heartbeat, and every panto they perform spreads the joy of theatre and performing live to thousands of local children.
As well as being fantastic fun, Cinderella also had some pretty strong moral messages.
The old-fashioned pantos where the charming prince rescues the stricken princess?
Or the princess needs to marry to really be happy?
This one has the theme of ‘Be Kind, Show Courage’, which really could be the new motto of Southport as a town.
Cinderella, with support from her friends, is waiting to be rescued by anyone. She faces adversity head on.
She writes her own story, and defines her own future.
As a Dad watching the show with two daughters, it was a superb message for those watching.
The panto has massive entertainment value too of course, as ever.
The writing, direction, production, choreography from the likes of Cliff Gillies, Matt Highes, Katie Palfrey, Chris Rimmer and others is outstanding.
The production team including stage design, technical team, the band and more is brilliant.
Where do you start with the performances? There are so many stand-out actors, all bringing their own unique skills whether it’s singing, comedy or dancing, or all three.
The chemistry between so many of the characters brings its own magic.
Cinderella (Phoebe Hill) led the way as a strong female central character; rescuing the excellent Prince Charming (James Shaw), who had a great comedy partnership with Dandini (Matthew Swinnerton).
Here were some superb comedy performances too from the likes of the charismatic Buttons (Alex McKillop), Fairy Godmother (Hayley Jones), Queen (Jacqui Lewis), King Alan Casserley) and Fairy Godbrother (Tom Avann).
It’s amazing to think that these were panto debuts for actors including Phoebe Hill and Tom Avann, who really owned their roles and looked like they had been performing them for years.
My youngest daughter was blown away by wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine (Kelly Anderson) and there were some real girl power as Cinderella was supported by Princess including Aurora (Kai-enna Mook), Snow White (Amelia Moran), Gothel (Katie Allen), Maleficent (Kelly Bond) and Belle (Heather Gomersall).
How do they cast this production? There are supremely talented performers across the boards.
Two people not making their panto debuts are the exceptional panto dames Dame Britney (Cliff Gillies) and Dame Kylie (Ian Lawson) who were anarchic, hilarious and terrifying in equal measure.
A special mention must go to the brilliant So Talented Junior Dancers, put through their paces by choreographer Katie Palfrey, who wowed audiences with some eye-catching, imaginative routines.
Cinderella was a panto that was imaginative, fun, riotously funny, entertaining, superbly crafted and performed, and the perfect way of making children and adults smile this January – while inspiring them with a love of live theatre.
I can’t wait to see what next year holds.
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