Every little girl's best known fairytale is brought to sparkling life on the region's biggest stage. Cinderella is the Norwich Theatre Royal's own production, and the cash generated from the annual panto often pays for less successful minority shows over the coming year. So, it's important that the theatre gets it right - in tone, in delivery, in content, and ultimately - in appeal to the children. The end of the first-half is pure magic and possibly the best Cinderella transformation scene I have ever seen. This is where Cinder's is rescued from her misery by the kitchen fire and attired in a shimmering crystal gown by her Fairy Godmother, before boarding her carriage for the Prince's ball, pulled by a winged charger. Dreams and disappointmentYes, this is the stuff of dreams. A little disappointing therefore, that some of the other scenes feel disjointed and lacklustre by comparison. Writer, director and playing the part of Buttons is Richard Gauntlett - a man of many talents, including the will and the ability to hang upside down many feet above the stage from a kite! But the script doesn't allow him to really engage with the audience, and Buttons is a pivotal role in that he is there to explain it all to us. I trust more warmth will ensue, as the panto becomes more bedded in. I like Marilyn Cutts as the ballsy no-nonsense Fairy Godmother very much, she really shines on stage and that's not just down to her tiara.  | | Cinderella and Baron Hardup |
David Gant, last seen two years ago in Sleeping Beauty, is back as the harassed Baron Hardup, his long white hair flying about his face - and King's Lynn-born Trevor Jary plays the Prince's right-hand man Dandini. In my own crystal ball I predict a bright future for that young man - he truly is a charmer, as is Sherrie Pennington who plays the unfortunate Cinders. Playing the heir to the throne with a kind of diffident shyness is Adam Rickitt, lately in Coronation Street and also known for his success as a pop singer. Germalina and Sanatogena (Nigel Nobes and Steve Edwin) complete the dysfunctional Hardup family, being the Laurel and Hardy of ugly sisters. Their routine with Buttons and a very large balloon is hilarious. Panto babesAs always, the children from the Central School Of Dancing And Performing Arts,
are a constant delight throughout. The panto babes are an integral part of the Theatre Royal's production and long may that custom continue. Looking at the list of pantomimes I have watched at this theatre - and there have been a fair few since 1992 - this one stands up well. For my money, it isn't one of the best, but ticket sales are already well ahead of where they were this time last year, and if you only see one panto this holiday season, you could go a long way to find something better. Cinderella runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, 20 January, 2007. For more details call 01603 630000. | 
