Cinderella Panto (Berkhamsted)
Cinderella
Centenary Theatre Berhamsted
(Review Complete)
"A magical evening of pure entertainment"
Review
The place is the Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted as they have their first professional panto, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience! Smash Arts Theatre Company and Berkhamsted Enterprises production of "Cinderella," featuring the fabulous Veronica Green from "RuPaul's Drag Race," was a dazzling spectacle that exceeded all expectations. It is not often you go to a town to see a panto, but this was their first professional show in the town and what a success.
From the moment we entered the Centenary Theatre at Berkhamsted School (Don't let the school theatre put you off) The theatre is a fully professional theatre, the festive atmosphere was palpable. The set design by scenic projects was stunning, transporting us straight into the whimsical world of fairy tales. The attention to detail was remarkable, creating a magical backdrop that set the stage for what was to come. Along with the music directed by Alex Williams, which added that extra level, although in places they got a bit too excited and you struggled to hear the singing.
Veronica Green's portrayal of the wicked Baroness was nothing short of spectacular. evil and yet quite likeable. Having a drag queen really worked on this occasion and as for the costumes spot on. Very clever one liners.
Lucy Penrose as the Fair Godmother was one of the highlights for me. Her charisma and talent shone brightly, bringing a delightful mix of humour and heart to the role. The audience was in stitches from her on stage humour, proving once again why she’s such a beloved performer, even bringing new technology into her performance. There was a master class in comedic acting.
Phoebe Ferreira as Cinderella was enchanting, delivering a heartfelt and spirited performance that resonated with both young and old. Her voice was angelic, and her chemistry with Chris Garside, who played the lovable Buttons, was a highlight of the show. Garside brought a perfect blend of charm and comedic timing with his side kick (It's only a puppet)! But between them they ensured there wasn't a dull moment on stage. Their interactions were both funny and heartwarming, reminding us all of the power of friendship.
Prince charming played by Mathew Ferry was excellent and his comic timing with Dandini played by Mathew Grove was just a joy to watch, The two Ugly sisters played by Jessica Shaw (Flow) and Charlotte Neal (Tina) were another awesome double act, but could have looked a little more Ugly. But the modern twist they brought to the show with their interpretation of the excellent writings of Samuel Holmes. Great one liners and family interactions.
The entire cast worked seamlessly together, bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to this classic tale. The incorporation of catchy songs, lively choreography, and a sprinkle of audience participation made for a truly engaging experience. The humour was perfectly balanced, making it enjoyable for children and adults alike, and there were moments that had everyone roaring with laughter.
Overall, this production of "Cinderella" is a triumph for Berkhamsted and sets a high standard for future performances. It’s a perfect blend of traditional panto magic with a modern twist, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you have the chance, grab your tickets and prepare for a night of pure joy and laughter. Bravo to the entire cast and crew for an extraordinary show!
It runs until Tuesday 31st December and it worth a drive. The bar was reasonably price and the snacks equally so. Find out more by visiting www.berkopanto.co.uk.
Well done and I look forward to attending more productions in 2025.
Reviewer: Mark Bilsby.
We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.