Before the clock struck Twelve, the Bromley Buzz took a magical trip into the classic (perhaps not so classic) Christmas Cinderella pantomime at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre, where we encountered the perfect panto ingredients of fun, laughter, glitzy costumes and, of course, the recipe would not be completed without all the boos, hisses and audience participation of ‘Oh Yes, it is!’, and Oh No, it isn’t!’
Making wishes come true… The Fairy godmother, played by Loose Woman, ‘X-Factor’ contestant and musical theatre veteran Brenda Edwards, sparkles and sprinkles her magic to bring rags to riches. Brenda is joined by Steven Dalziel as Buttons, and John Kimmons, a ventriloquist and comedian, as Baron Hardup, who recently took part in the Bromley Christmas Lights Switch-on. Last but not least, Tia Gyngell stars as Cinderella, with Darren Bennett and Jak Allen-Anderson as her evil Wicked Sisters.
What a night to remember! Where to start? Totally immersive to both adults and children, the panto was fully of belly laughs throughout and with hilarious cheeky innuendos, which only adults could understand, of course. It was beautiful to hear the children yelling, booing, aah’ing and their little comments about the characters on stage. Not a dry eye in the house!
The moment you stepped into the auditorium you were transported to a magical place with beautiful lighting effects and stage scenery with stunning costumes.
The whole cast were amazing, including the dancers, and everyone got their moment to shine on stage. However, without a doubt there were two actors that truly stood out. Firstly, Buttons, the young man in love with Cinderella. What a truly fun and engaging character that kept the audience on their toes, with his exaggerated performance, repetitive line of ‘’Hiya Kids!’’, and his natural warmth to draw us in, and who the children adored. What an exhausting role to play, and it was done magnificently.
Secondly, Baron Hardup and his first scene showcasing his talent for ventriloquism. Wow! He improvised with a dummy and in the second part of the show it was audience participation time, when he had the whole house in total stiches.
There was a moment where all the young girls dreams came true when Cinderella was transformed and whisked off to the ball in a flying, sparkling pumpkin carriage that hovers closely above the audience.
Of course, no show is complete without the presence of Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters, Hernia and Verruca. They were the icing on top of this panto Christmas cake, with their incredible, lavish dazzling costumes and their superbly placed sarcasm and sharp witty one-liners. What fabulous performances.
Margaret, who came to the show with me, commented, “It was brilliant, so, so funny. I was exhausted with all the laughing, the audience was so engaged. It was very skilfully done and I am still laughing now. I mean, the skill and timing of the ventriloquist was impeccable. A must-see for kids. Long may it run.’’
Truly, we are privileged to have this wonderful Churchill Theatre at our doorstep, bringing us wonderful pantomimes and shows like this.
This is a must-see production. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself into this magical world. Cinderalla plays until 31 December, with a matinee and evening performance daily. Tickets here.
Zeenat Noorani, 6 December 2023
Bromley Buzz 