This years Christmas panto at Hull New Theatre is the exciting tale of Cinderella. Hannah Nicholas plays the down-trodden Cinderella who transforms from rags to riches, outwits her Wicked Stepmother and very Ugly Sisters and, with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons, father Baron Hardup and one very magical Fairy Godmother – wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. We went to see the action on Tuesday evening and let me tell you – it was absolutely fab (which is something I thought I would never hear myself say about a Pantomime)!
Let me begin by saying that I am not usually a panto person – I really don’t know what it is because I love going to the theatre and I am aware that they are a big part of British Christmases. However, for me I cannot seem to endure them – I find them cringy and generally a little irritating! I will go with the kids if it’s what they want, but usually I can get away with not as the kids ordinarily go with school.
Cinderella at Hull New Theatre though is not like any Panto I have ever seen before – It is, as they describe it “The Fairy Godmother of all Panto’s” and I have to agree. It was magical, professional, filled with surprises at every turn and the choreography, singing, set and costumes were top notch! I was sceptical when I sat down, but that soon left me because when the curtains lifted I could tell this was of a different calibre to others I have ever seen – there was no expense spared and the talent was fantastic.
With an all-star cast that includes the first lady of the Queen Vic Anita Dobson, comedy stalwart Bernie Clifton, and former EastEnders bad boy Neil McDermott, this glittering production is bursting at the seams with festive family fun for all ages. I never anticipated just how good the set and props would be, but with a real car, a stunning carriage towed by real life little ponies and special effects that blew my mind (hello 3D) – you will get every pennies worth and simply be in awe of it all.
Megan and her friend were super excited to be in the audience and the atmosphere was brilliant. Kitted out in her very best Cinderella outfit she had such a ball herself and I don’t think she sat still for the entire performance. We all laughed out loud (to the point of tears) and sung and danced along to their ‘Greatest Showman’ renditions, as well as Zara Larson and Queen songs too. The cast sounded fab, were full of energy and the accompanying dancers were wonderful.
I hold my hand up and say – Cinderella at Hull New Theatre really is one not to be missed this season. I wrongfully assumed Ethan and Nath wouldn’t really like it and I would simply have to endure it for the girls, but in hindsight now, it really is fun for all the family and I actually enjoyed the banter and rowdy moments of it all. I cannot rate it enough as a family favorite this Christmastime. Of course in true panto style they push the boundaries with jokes that cause a little jaw dropping from parents and you will be fortunate enough to be entertained by not just one, but 2 splendid dames, that really were the life and soul of it all kitted out in absolutely fabulous costumes. I would gladly go see it again – it was a lot of fun and really beautiful.
Well done guys for converting me to a little bit of cheeky Panto – we all loved it!
Cinderella run at Hull New Theatre until the 30th of December, with two performances daily except 10, 17, 21 and 25 December when there are no performances.Tickets are priced at £14.50 – £30 and are available in person at the Hull City Hall box office or over the phone on 01482 300 306. Alternatively you can book online at www.hulltheatres.co.uk
*Thank you to Hull New theatre for giving us a complimentary evening in return for a review – we loved it!
