Review by Kathryn
Advertised as “the most magical panto”, this year’s offering from The Lighthouse in Kettering does not disappoint!
Produced in partnership with KD Productions, they have created a beautiful, funny, classic panto with all the modern glitz and glam for the whole family to enjoy.
Playing the title role is returning favourite, Maisie Asbury, who brings warmth, energy and kindness to the role so it’s no surprise that Prince Charming, played by Daniel Breakwell, falls in love with her personality as well as her gorgeous vocals! Breakwell plays the royal part with sincerity, smoothness and a charisma that hits the right mark for a prince bored with his life and looking for love without being over the top. Neatly done.
Michael Loftus and Dominic Matteo are the fabulously vile Ugly Sisters (Tess and Claudia, respectively) and have the audience booing from the moment they arrive in the auditorium. Their timing together is excellent and their wit with the audience is wonderful. A perfect duo for the children to dislike and love at the same time!
Our Fairy Godmother is the sparkly Jessie Waterfield who appears at key moments to sing her way through the story and make sure that the stars align just as they need to for Cinders and her Prince. She opens the show with high energy and fizz that hooks you immediately and continues through to the final curtain.
Jon-Scott Clark returns as choreographer and as Dandini, right-hand man to the Prince. His punchy choreography is sharply executed and he plays the sarcasm well against the Prince’s genuine tone. A good pairing for the palace team.
Sean ‘Rollo’ Rollason joins the company as Buttons and is the star of the show. Adored by children for his silly comedy, loved by adults for his quick wit and well delivered jokes, Rollo pulls the show together and gives it the classic panto edge that is needed for this storyline. Perfect timing, loveable characterisation and enough charm that everyone wants to be in his gang!
The principal company are supported by a strong, talented ensemble of dancers - Sophia Thorogood, Megan Lee, Joshua Stephens and Ben Gonzales who perform a range of dance genres with ease and style. Joining them are two teams of youth ensemble who add more energy and fun throughout their routines.
Making this the most sparkly panto I’ve seen for a long time are the stunning costumes (well done to Chaja Nadia Verkerk for keeping them shining!) along with the slick (and fast!) scene changes and lighting design (by Gregory Jordan). KD Productions always produces shows that fit everything as a jigsaw and this year is no exception - a strong onstage and backstage team ensure that this is an enjoyable theatrical visit not to miss. The end of Act 1 magic is worth the ticket price alone…but to find out how magical it is, you’ll have to book a ticket!!
If you’re looking for a perfect family afternoon or evening out, this is the place to be in Northamptonshire - magic, sparkle, love, cracking songs, gorgeous visuals…what’s not to love!
Cinderella runs at The Lighthouse, Kettering until 31st December. Tickets are available from https://lighthousetheatre.co.uk/
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