CINDERELLA

The company's resident writer Geoff Coventry has incorporated some novel twists into his witty script to keep the story fresh. But in Pantoland the plot is almost an afterthought.  The essential ingredients are a generous helping of comedy, some unhackneyed songs, and making sure the audience is involved fight from the overture.  the Wranglers score on all counts. Biggest laughter-maker is a mafioso Fairy Godfather (Gareth Holmes), assisted by Susannah Owen).  More comedy comes from Gilly Giles as the new wife of Baron Hardup (Bridget O'Connor), and Gareth Davis and Mike Temple as her daughters, the gruesome twosome Cortina and Florida.  The comedy is of a higher stand than is usual in amateur productions.  
Juliette Albone is a captivating Cinderella, Simon Couch her faithful Buttons, Julie Farmer in fine form as Prince Charming and Katherine Jacobs Dandini, here partnered by Hayley Richards as Camilla Parker-Bench. But they couldn't pull it off without the highly committed dancers and chorus, and it was rewarding to see some former members of the junior section graduation so successfully to roles with their elders. 
Plus points, too, are the resplendent costumes and the sets, with a filigree coach for Cinderella's journey to the ball. The choreography by Wendy Holmes is stylish, and Liz Donnelly is musical director. All in all, un the author's direction this is a bright, brash and bubbly family show.

Bill Stone
Western Evening Herald 3rd December 2003

This ever popular pantomime certainly lived up to expectations, written by Geoff Coventry it contained all the ingredients to entertain children and adults alike.  The principal cast were excellent with two very ugly sisters who worked so well together they kept the audience laughing every time they appeared. Another super character was the Fairy Godfather who played in so many guises he had you waiting expectantly for the next one.  Cinderella and Prince Charming were also very comfortable together and provided the right level of romance aided by a striking Dandini.  The wicked stepmother played the part so well and her reactions to the audience were splendid.  The part of Buttons was played in the traditional way, thwarting the baddies and keeping audience participation going along nicely.  In fact the whole cast including the tiny ones carried their parts very well and the ensemble musical numbers were a credit to them and their musical director. Credit must also go to Windbag the horse, the two people in the skin were delightful and their tap dance was the same.  All the action took place around some very scenery (Scene Doc) and the costumes (Flame of Torbay) were colourful and pretty.  Cinderella's coach, made by Geoff Coventry was well received by the audience and I though it was quite stunning.  This company always produces excellent dancers and the choreography is always of very high standard.  The selected music for the show was most enjoyable and complimented the overall production very well indeed.  Lighting and sound was excellent and made a good show even better.

N.O.D.A. report
12th December 2003