THE STAGE

Published Monday 8 December 2008 at 16:30 by Mary Redman

True to the era of the credit crunch, it’s two for one at Grays this year as Ugly Sisters Britney and Whitney fill the enormous gap left by the ultimate dame’s shoes of Damian Williams.

Subtlety isn’t in their natures. As played by Ian Ganderton and Paul Morse, their ultra glittery frocks are counteracted by their shouty bass voices, shrieking, “Aren’t we adorable?”

Sam Attwater’s Prince is very posh while Darren Tough’s Dandini is your true unvarnished Tilbury bloke. Claire-Louise Mealor’s Cinderella is well-nourished and scarcely downtrodden, but scrubs up very nicely indeed for the ball.

Colin Ridgewell’s Buttons is a down to earth, cheerful lad, while Lynette (Crossroads) McMorrough’s cosy Fairy is sweetness personified.

The musical emphasis in Bruce James’s fast-paced, jolly show is not on soppy love songs but on pop from Cyndi Lauper to High School Musical and Mamma Mia. Andy Collyer’s two-man band is excellent and the cast sing wholeheartedly, especially in the big Abba numbers.

The transformation is full of snow and glitter. The ballroom scene is very pretty with lots of gorgeous dresses especially Cinders’ shining gold frock.

Grays is a small theatre which James and choreographer Sallie Warrington handle easily, accommodating everyone without any crowding.

 

Cinderella Review from Essex Gazette

Thurrock's annual pantomime reviewed by TOM KING
BRUCE James's pantomimes at the Thameside Theatre in Grays have always emphasised the traditional side of panto, rather that the star-studded variety acts elsewhere.

This year's Cinderella is no exception, but there is a change of emphasis. Much more time is spent on storytelling and generating an atmosphere of magic and charm rather than knockabout.

The title role in Cinderella is often a background token, while the main business is given to the comics and singers. Here, though, Cinderella herself, played with charming sincerity by Claire-Louise Mealor, is given much more to do.

There are fewer big comedy routines, although the best-loved audience participation ones, such as "He's behind you", are left intact.

The result is a panto of immense sweetness and charm, and the best production for miles around for anyone who wants to see the glorious British panto tradition in its purest form.

This year, for the first time in over a decade, the Thameside production is missing the now legendary Damian Williams as the panto dame.

Wisely choosing not to seek anyone to fill his shoes, writer Debbie James has dropped the dame role and given the main comic business to the ugly sisters, Whitney and Britney, played in a splendid double act by Ian Ganderton and Paul Morse.

From their opening line and first set of crazed costumes, the pair ensure the Thameside panto, always a sure bet for good laughs, remains as hilarious as ever.

Unsurprisingly, this year, the music and dance is inspired by Abba, and Mamma Mia fans will find plenty to bounce along to.

All in all a box of delights, though long-term fans of the Thameside panto will find the contents are rather differently flavoured, but none the worse for a change.

• Cinderella is on at the Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays, until January 11, 2009.

Tickets are now on sale  to see Ian as one of the Ugly Sisters in the magical family Pantomime Cinderella at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, Essex this Christmas. The show runs from December  4th 2008  to January 11th 2009 . 

Box Office - 0845-300-5264. More Details to follow...

 

 5th August    Don't miss Ian on the George Lamb Show on BBC Radio 6Music 

                           where he will be giving style tips and advice to improve your image

 

    1st  June       Ian's article on How to Host a Breakfast Meeting will give you 

                          10 Top Tips to holding the Perfect Power Breakfast.

 

   10th May     Ian is away for three months playing Petruchio, Ferdinand and    

                        Francis Flute in a Theatre Clwyd Ist Folio Shakespeare Tour