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Picture
Cinderella
Cliffs Pavilion
12th-10th January 2016
QDos Entertainment, the producers of Cinderella, promise us a pantomime that will carry the Cliffs Pavilion hallmark of outstanding and unmissable entertainment for all ages and I can assure you, this promise has been well and truly fulfilled.

With big names such as Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph heading the show as Buttons and Fairy Godmother, you’re already on to a winner but this pantomime delivers in lots of different ways.  

From the moment Lesley Joseph floats above the stage bedecked in a slinky, white feathery number as the Fairy Godmother, perched on a diamond encrusted moon and announcing, “Yes, it’s me, the wowie from TOWIE!” you realise that this is going to be one helluva ride. Lesley certainly doesn’t look as if she’s ready to start slowing down just yet, as she struts her stuff and wows the audience with a raunchy rendition of ‘Bang Bang/Like a Virgin’ revealing that she still has the fabulous assets to fit into the same dress she wore 25 years ago as Dorien in Birds of a Feather.

Two of the most outrageous characters have to be the Ugly Sisters, aka Claudia and Tess, played with delightful wickedness by Martin Ramsdin and David Robbins.  These two have been playing the Uglies for many years together and make all of their own costumes which are beyond outstanding and have to be seen to be believed.  They play the sisters brilliantly and you really want to hate them - but my goodness, they just look SO darn good; and with at least 8 costume and wig changes (it’s probably more) throughout the show, this duo certainly have their work cut out.  I loved their rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” with them singing, “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen, we’re the best you’ve ever seen.”  Without a doubt, you would have to go a long way to find a better pairing of Ugly Sisters.

Cinderella is played beautifully by Lauren Hall who really puts her heart and soul into the part.  She also proves what great comedy physicality she has in one particular scene with Buttons and Prince Charming, which I shan’t spoil for you but suffice to say it involves a wall and a priceless rendition of ‘Everything I Do, I Do It For You”.

Prince Charming is played by the extremely handsome Matthew Goodgame, who showed off an impressive vocal range with his musical numbers.  He also had me giggling away with his fabulous characterisation of the vain and cheesy prince from the moment he stepped on stage with his sidekick Dandini, played by the very cute, Steve Leeds who I’m sure lots of children will probably recognise from Nick Jr’s pop band Go!Go!Go! and who I expect probably picked up a few more older fans with his One Direction number.

Brian Conley, of course, is the linch pin that keeps the show rolling along and he never falters.  If ever there was a performer who can make pantomime look easy, then Mr Conley’s your man. This pantomime never flags for one second with Conley at the helm; and with a succession of endless humour that adults and kids alike will appreciate, this show really caters for everyone.  Even Dangerous Brian makes an appearance, or rather Dangerous ‘Buttons’.

The pace never stops and you are constantly swept away with the spectacular that is this pantomime.  There are a good deal of magical moments in the show that you really won’t want to miss, with  stunning scenery which was made especially for the Cliffs Pavilion stage and amazing costumes along with some excellent song and dance numbers performed by Elliot Nixon’s deftly choreographed ensemble.

Giving the pantomime a slight twist with the storyline, Buttons has to audition for Southend’s Got Talent in order to get to the Ball and the pre-filmed excerpt of Buttons being interviewed before his audition is one of the comedy highlights for me - and they’ve even managed to get Ant and Dec involved.

Of course, every panto has to have members of the audience getting involved and this one doesn’t disappoint - be careful if you’re sitting in the front row - that’s all I’m saying.  

Another panto tradition is to bring children up to the stage, which always brings a smile as we find out how old they are and where they live and what mummy does when daddy’s at work!  Brian asks the audience to give a round of applause to each child as they leave the stage and, rather poignantly, before the last child returns to her seat, he tells the audience, “This is Lily and she’s 6 and she’s NEVER going to forget this moment. And that, ladies and gentlemen is what panto is all about!”  How very true.

This pantomime caters for all, but ultimately pantomimes are for the children, in fact pantomime can often be a child’s first introduction to theatre and judging by the reactions of some of the children who were sitting near me, they were completely won over and clearly thrilled to be part of such a fabulous night out.

I’m pretty sure that lots of children who are lucky enough to see Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion this Christmas will never forget what a wonderful, magical experience pantomime can be. 

For tickets go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135


A big thank you to the team at the Cliffs Pavilion for their fabulous hospitality, as always!
Emma, Paul and Daisy from the Cliffs Pavilion Team
Sophie & Daisy from the Cliffs Pavilion Team
Lesley Joseph & Brian Conley
Cinderella, Lauren Hall
Matthew Goodgame, Lauren Hall & Steve Lees Prince Charming, Cinders & Dandini
The Not So Uglies, Martin Ramsdin & David Robbins
I meet Matthew & Steve
I meet Martin & David
I meet Lesley & Brian
I meet Lauren
Ask the audience


Erin, 8, Blackmore, Essex

“I thought it was really good.  Buttons was my favourite.  I liked the raffle bit.”

Olivia, 11, Blackmore, Essex

“My favourite part was the Ball.  I really liked all the costumes, especially the Ugly Sisters’ costumes.  There was lots of detail in them.”

Jessica, 10, Blackmore, Essex

“It was really funny and definitely the funniest pantomime I’ve ever seen.  I loved the bit on the wall and when Buttons tried to sing a sad song.”

Lisa, 47, Blackmore, Essex

“Brian is funnier than ever.  I saw him before but this one is even funnier.  I loved Lesley Joseph - I’m a big Birds of a Feather fan.  The costumes were great and the carriage with the horses.  I also thought that there was a bit more for the adults this time too.  I would definitely recommend it.”

Lucy, 10, Blackmore, Essex

“It was so funny, I really laughed a lot.  I loved Buttons.  There was lots of good singing and dancing.”

Callum, 10, Blackmore, Essex

“It was fantastic.  The bit with the motorbike was just amazing and definitely my favourite part!”
Erin
Olivia
Jessica
Olivia and mum, Lisa
Lucy
Callum
16.12.2015

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