SHOW UP PRODUCTIONS presents…
REVIEW
CINDERELLA
CINDERELLA
Hadleigh Old Fire Station | 3rd January 2025
Mill Arts Centre, Rayleigh | 4+5th January 2025
Great Wakering Community Centre | 11th January 2025
Havens Community Hub | 12th January 2025
Mill Arts Centre, Rayleigh | 4+5th January 2025
Great Wakering Community Centre | 11th January 2025
Havens Community Hub | 12th January 2025
Cinderella is a perennial panto favourite: a story we’ve all heard and seen so many times, we know it inside out. Show Up Productions, however, has transformed this well-worn tale into a fresh, glittering show that’s packed with fun and magic… so prepare to be amazed!
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” mused a lady in the seat behind mine, and indeed, if you’re looking for something a little more original than the big-budget, celebrity-casted pantos that fill the festive schedules every year, you’ll find it here.
Written and directed by Show Up’s talented founder Rachel Dingle, the story begins at Mr. Buttons’ Sewing Emporium, where Cinderella (a charming Trigger Bliss) has a boss, and a job, that she loves. An upcoming royal visit is making everyone giddy… only Cinderella’s mean Aunt Marylamb (a marvellously malevolent Sherry Fuller, in some incredible costumes) has also hatched an evil plan to shroud the village in darkness forever!
Luckily, the Fairy Godmother – who’s an imposing 167 years old (I need Louisa Strachan’s skincare secrets!) – is on hand to help Cinderella meet her prince and save the village, armed with a glittery dress, a magic wand, and a sparkling personality.
Designed by Alice Neale, the set is imaginative and quirky,with glitzy hand-painted flourishes and some insanely creative props that were repurposed out of necessity, due to the show’s limited budget. For the same reason, the all-female cast is reduced in number, with many playing multiple roles. They do all this in a warm, fun, and accomplished way that implies they’ve all been performing together for decades, with plenty of improvised comedy moments and easy audience interactionthat makes you feel part of the show. I had no idea that Bri Malaiki, who plays the royal prince, was making her panto debut until I read the programme.
Cinderella’s boss, Mr. Buttons (Roseanna Connolly) is a stand-out character who inspires plenty of laughter throughout the show – particularly during his innovative role in the royal ball! There are some ingenious comedy set pieces I won’t spoil here, but the creativity involved is genuinely astounding,and the resulting peals of laughter from all age groups shows that you don’t need expensive special effects to entertain an audience.
The singing and dancing is all performed incredibly well, with slick choreography by Eleanor Stranders and a mix of songs everyone will know. The script is sharp, fast-paced, and seriously funny, with plenty of cheeky jokes that will (hopefully) fly over the children’s heads (if you prefer a more grown-up version, note that there’s a special adults-only show, plus relaxed and baby-friendly performances – this is a truly inclusive production all round).
The fun-filled finale inspired plenty of the kids to get up and dance… with one screaming “I LOVED that!” Fitting words for an innovative, laughter-filled show I’m glad I got to see.
Review: Nina Jervis-Green
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” mused a lady in the seat behind mine, and indeed, if you’re looking for something a little more original than the big-budget, celebrity-casted pantos that fill the festive schedules every year, you’ll find it here.
Written and directed by Show Up’s talented founder Rachel Dingle, the story begins at Mr. Buttons’ Sewing Emporium, where Cinderella (a charming Trigger Bliss) has a boss, and a job, that she loves. An upcoming royal visit is making everyone giddy… only Cinderella’s mean Aunt Marylamb (a marvellously malevolent Sherry Fuller, in some incredible costumes) has also hatched an evil plan to shroud the village in darkness forever!
Luckily, the Fairy Godmother – who’s an imposing 167 years old (I need Louisa Strachan’s skincare secrets!) – is on hand to help Cinderella meet her prince and save the village, armed with a glittery dress, a magic wand, and a sparkling personality.
Designed by Alice Neale, the set is imaginative and quirky,with glitzy hand-painted flourishes and some insanely creative props that were repurposed out of necessity, due to the show’s limited budget. For the same reason, the all-female cast is reduced in number, with many playing multiple roles. They do all this in a warm, fun, and accomplished way that implies they’ve all been performing together for decades, with plenty of improvised comedy moments and easy audience interactionthat makes you feel part of the show. I had no idea that Bri Malaiki, who plays the royal prince, was making her panto debut until I read the programme.
Cinderella’s boss, Mr. Buttons (Roseanna Connolly) is a stand-out character who inspires plenty of laughter throughout the show – particularly during his innovative role in the royal ball! There are some ingenious comedy set pieces I won’t spoil here, but the creativity involved is genuinely astounding,and the resulting peals of laughter from all age groups shows that you don’t need expensive special effects to entertain an audience.
The singing and dancing is all performed incredibly well, with slick choreography by Eleanor Stranders and a mix of songs everyone will know. The script is sharp, fast-paced, and seriously funny, with plenty of cheeky jokes that will (hopefully) fly over the children’s heads (if you prefer a more grown-up version, note that there’s a special adults-only show, plus relaxed and baby-friendly performances – this is a truly inclusive production all round).
The fun-filled finale inspired plenty of the kids to get up and dance… with one screaming “I LOVED that!” Fitting words for an innovative, laughter-filled show I’m glad I got to see.
Review: Nina Jervis-Green
Photo credit: Kim Tobin Photography
It's Panto Time! Cinderella can't wait to meet you all
This is your personal invitation to the magical ball!!
This is your personal invitation to the magical ball!!
Cinderella loves working in Mr Buttons Sewing Emporium but her world is about to be turned upside down by the arrival of a prince. The news of the royal visit sends excitement buzzing through the village - much to the annoyance of Cinderella's mean old Aunt! Who hatches a plan to shroud the village in darkness forever! With the help of the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella will meet her prince but can you help her save the village?
Our cast of six will bedazzle you with incredible vocals, ingenious set pieces and brand new comedy routines. Filled with beautiful friendships, plenty of disguises and lots of laughter- this is a wholesome panto you’ll remember for years to come!
WHO?
Rachel, who founded Show Up Productions, grew up in Benfleet and attended Westcliff High School for Girls. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts - one of the country's top drama schools. She’s worked extensively in theatre in set and costume design, wardrobe, stage management and more. She’s worked at various theatres including The National Theatre, The Criterion Theatre in London, The Liverpool Empire and Southend’s own Cliffs Pavilion
When not working away she is focusing on writing and producing her own work. She also set up Show Up! Southend during the pandemic to help promote the creative industries in her hometown.
CAST:
Trigger Bliss - Cinderella
Rosie Connolly - Mr Buttons
Sherry Fuller - Evil Aunt Marylamb
Louisa Strachan- Fairy Godmother
Bri Malaika - Prince
Eleanor Stranders - Ensemble
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY RACHEL DINGLE
CHOREOGRAPHED BY ELEANOR STRANDERS
DESIGNED BY ALICE NEALE
Our cast of six will bedazzle you with incredible vocals, ingenious set pieces and brand new comedy routines. Filled with beautiful friendships, plenty of disguises and lots of laughter- this is a wholesome panto you’ll remember for years to come!
WHO?
Rachel, who founded Show Up Productions, grew up in Benfleet and attended Westcliff High School for Girls. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts - one of the country's top drama schools. She’s worked extensively in theatre in set and costume design, wardrobe, stage management and more. She’s worked at various theatres including The National Theatre, The Criterion Theatre in London, The Liverpool Empire and Southend’s own Cliffs Pavilion
When not working away she is focusing on writing and producing her own work. She also set up Show Up! Southend during the pandemic to help promote the creative industries in her hometown.
CAST:
Trigger Bliss - Cinderella
Rosie Connolly - Mr Buttons
Sherry Fuller - Evil Aunt Marylamb
Louisa Strachan- Fairy Godmother
Bri Malaika - Prince
Eleanor Stranders - Ensemble
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY RACHEL DINGLE
CHOREOGRAPHED BY ELEANOR STRANDERS
DESIGNED BY ALICE NEALE
PAST PRESS COVERAGE
“WE LEFT THE BUILDING BUZZING ABOUT WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE WE'D HAD”
Southend Theatre Scene on “Stab in the Dark”
“OUR KIDS WERE HOOKED. CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!”
Audience Member on “The Ghost Party”
" IT IS BETTER THAN SOME LARGE CAST, EXPENSIVE PANTOS"
Southend Theatre Scene on “Little Red”
"THIS WAS PROOF THAT A CELEBRITY CAST, AND LARGE-SCALE EFFECTS ARE NO REPLACEMENT FOR A SOLID SCRIPT, GREAT PERFORMANCES, AND CREATIVITY"
Southend Theatre Scene on “Robyn Hood”
“WE LEFT THE BUILDING BUZZING ABOUT WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE WE'D HAD”
Southend Theatre Scene on “Stab in the Dark”
“OUR KIDS WERE HOOKED. CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!”
Audience Member on “The Ghost Party”
" IT IS BETTER THAN SOME LARGE CAST, EXPENSIVE PANTOS"
Southend Theatre Scene on “Little Red”
"THIS WAS PROOF THAT A CELEBRITY CAST, AND LARGE-SCALE EFFECTS ARE NO REPLACEMENT FOR A SOLID SCRIPT, GREAT PERFORMANCES, AND CREATIVITY"
Southend Theatre Scene on “Robyn Hood”
WHY PANTO?
We want to create theatre in Essex to help build a thriving professional theatre industry right here where we live.
Panto is often the first theatre that children get to experience and more often than it should be it’s lazily produced. Copy and paste scripts slung together with old routines coming back time and time again. We want to change that. Our panto will give female performers a chance to play comic roles which are largely performed by men. Plus we’re changing some of the panto tradition; creating new comedy routines and spicing up the storyline and so the show will be fit to burst with new ideas.
WHAT ELSE?!
We know that everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment so we are offering a substantial amount of PAY WHAT YOU CAN tickets. These are on a first come first serve basis.
Relaxed Performance
Suitable for those who like the volume lower and the lights brighter. Break out room available.
Grown Ups Only
Love panto but kids aren't your vibe...Join us for a drink along performance with added jokes for the grown ups.
Dementia + Baby Friendly
Special performance at Havens Community Hub for those members of the family that need a tad more reassurance
We were successful in getting support from central government via UKSPF via Rochford District Council.
Sponsored by VDUB Tavern, The Arts Business, Human Kind and Shared Space
SHOW SCHEDULE
3rd January @ 7pm - Hadleigh Old Fire station
4th January @ 7pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre
5th January @ 2pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre (Relaxed)
5th January @ 7pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre (Grown Up only)
11th January @ 2.30pm - Great Wakering Community Centre
11th January @ 7pm - Great Wakering Community Centre
12th January @ 4pm - Havens Community Hub, Westcliff (Dementia + Baby Friendly show)
Website: www.showupproductions.co.uk/cinderella
Ticket Link: www.tickettailor.com/events/showupproductions
Tickets:
Early Bird Rate £17 (before 10th December)
Standard £19
Family Ticket £65
PayWhatYouCan tickets available at every performance
We want to create theatre in Essex to help build a thriving professional theatre industry right here where we live.
Panto is often the first theatre that children get to experience and more often than it should be it’s lazily produced. Copy and paste scripts slung together with old routines coming back time and time again. We want to change that. Our panto will give female performers a chance to play comic roles which are largely performed by men. Plus we’re changing some of the panto tradition; creating new comedy routines and spicing up the storyline and so the show will be fit to burst with new ideas.
WHAT ELSE?!
We know that everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment so we are offering a substantial amount of PAY WHAT YOU CAN tickets. These are on a first come first serve basis.
Relaxed Performance
Suitable for those who like the volume lower and the lights brighter. Break out room available.
Grown Ups Only
Love panto but kids aren't your vibe...Join us for a drink along performance with added jokes for the grown ups.
Dementia + Baby Friendly
Special performance at Havens Community Hub for those members of the family that need a tad more reassurance
We were successful in getting support from central government via UKSPF via Rochford District Council.
Sponsored by VDUB Tavern, The Arts Business, Human Kind and Shared Space
SHOW SCHEDULE
3rd January @ 7pm - Hadleigh Old Fire station
4th January @ 7pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre
5th January @ 2pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre (Relaxed)
5th January @ 7pm - Rayleigh Mill Arts Centre (Grown Up only)
11th January @ 2.30pm - Great Wakering Community Centre
11th January @ 7pm - Great Wakering Community Centre
12th January @ 4pm - Havens Community Hub, Westcliff (Dementia + Baby Friendly show)
Website: www.showupproductions.co.uk/cinderella
Ticket Link: www.tickettailor.com/events/showupproductions
Tickets:
Early Bird Rate £17 (before 10th December)
Standard £19
Family Ticket £65
PayWhatYouCan tickets available at every performance