Cinderella - 2015

Cinderella is a pantomime favourite and the festive season is now well and truly in full swing in Theatreland.
 

Youth Onstage have once again proved what a talented group they are, as bundles of energy and enthusiasm are thrown into this production. Beaming faces on a packed-out stage make the opening number, I Gotta Feeling, a delight.
 

Sometimes one of the most challenging jobs is the audience participation, but Matt Brook instantly drew us in as the adorable and endearing Buttons.
 

We are quickly introduced to the title character, Cinderella, who is played gracefully by Jessie Miah. With a beautiful voice to match, she delivers an accomplished performance. Excellently paired with Kia Gates as Prince Charming, their harmonies in Sam Smith's Stay With Meand Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud impressed.
 

It is ugly sisters, Grizelda and Gertrude, who predominantly provide the comic relief. Played scarily well by 15 year olds Tom Ashen and Gibsa Bah, they work brilliantly together, with confident ad libs and a hilarious rendition of Beyonce's Single Ladies. Their mother, Baroness Rubella, is played by Jay Alves - his first principal role. A daunting task, especially in heels. Though slightly nervy at the outset, his confidence grew through the show and his dancing and characterisation were mightily impressive.
 

Georgia Sheward provides an assured performance as the Prince's sidekick Dandini and there is a pun-tastic double act from Alicia Flint and Emma Collis. Plus support from Thomas Brandon as Cinderella's father, Baron Hardup.
 

Particular music highlights of the show included Colour My World and Uptown Funk. The entire group harmoniously sang through the songs, proving what a talented bunch of people they are.
 

Although running slightly long at just under 3 hours, it was clear that the whole audience enjoyed the show. With a fantastic creative team behind the scenes - including Director, Deb Brook and Musical Director, Andy Johnson - this really is a whole group achievement and well and truly sets the mood for the festive season. Congratulations Youth Onstage, you've done it again!

Love Theatre 

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WITH Christmas fast approaching, what do children enjoy as much as attending a good old traditional pantomime?

Judging by this excellent production, the answer is performing in one, and the 30-strong cast simply burst with enthusiasm in the timeless story of a downtrodden young girl who marries a prince – with the help a fairy godmother, of course.

Director Deb Brook, a Tamworth-based teacher, has drilled the youngsters superbly, and some of her former pupils are now in the West End or abroad enjoying theatrical careers.

Most of the colourful costumes were made by parents, committee members and friends, and all  the hard work is now reaping its reward, particularly in some of the dancing sequences choreographed by Suzy Bleasdale and Jess Walton.

Jessie Miah, a 16-year-old Birmingham musical theatre student, sparkles as Cinderella and enjoys some amusing exchanges with Matt Brook (Buttons) and the highly entertaining ugly sisters Grizelda and Gertrude (Tom Ashen and Gibsa Bah).

Impressive performances, too, from Kia Gates (Prince Charming), Georgina Sheward (Dandini)  and Jay Alves (Baroness Rubella).

The masked ball and the hunting and haunting scenes were particularly good in a fine panto which, however, is perhaps about 20 minutes too long.

Andy Johnson is musical director of the show which runs to Saturday December 6, after which the company will begin hunting for new members, aged nine to 19, for their next production at the Old Rep, Birmingham – Bugsy Malone.

PAUL MARSTON