There were some stumbles and bumbles during the matinee performance of Cinderella. The audio equipment went wonky during a couple of key moments, meaning Buttons couldn’t be heard belting out his big song.
The Fairy Godmother also got her hem caught at one point, and struggled to extricate herself before hitting her mark. But such things happen in panto, which is always a bit like Christmas day, family fun and games teetering on the edge of chaos.
Apart from the minor mishaps, The Belgrade offers up an entertaining show.
Cinderella is triumphantly traditional. Dodgy old jokes. Dodgier new jokes. Ugly sisters. Saucy Cinders. An even saucier Prince.
And let’s not forget a healthy dose of thigh-slapping and “It’s behind you!”
Stand out performances came from Kevin McGreevy as Buttons (when he could be heard) and resident Dame, Andy Hockley, as ugly sister, Verrucca.
The Ugly Sisters’ costumes were also suitably garish, imaginative and witty.
And the most magical moment? When Cinders travels to the ball, and her winged horse and magic pumpkin take flight.
This Panto also has wings – though fingers crossed that the malfunctioning microphones have upped their game since my visit.
Rating * * *
Until January 8
