Cinderella
Reviewed by L.S.B. for The Croydon Advertiser
Making fun from chaos
About 20 of us braved the elements to witness the opening night of Theatre Workshop Coulsdon’s production of “Cinderella.”
We were well rewarded with a lively panto with the traditional elements of slapstick, audience participation, songs, men dressed up as women and girls playing boys.
It lacked polish and finesse, the singing was rowdy on occasion and wavering on others, the sets were sparse and the chorus more so – but it was tremendous fun.
The star turns were undoubtedly Tutti and Frutti, the Ugly Sisters. Marc Weston and Chris Argles were suitably grotesque and had developed a Hinge and Bracket relationship.
Their chaotic battle of the boudoir, complete with grenades and guns, was especially funny.
Rag, Tag and Bobtail, the Brokers men, were comically presented as ‘thirties-style mobsters. Liz Sutton was particularly good as Rag.
Richard Lloyd used his rich, plummy voice to good effect as Baron Hardup; Helen Noble was a sweet Cinderella and Olivia turner made a real character of the Bear with the songwriting talent.
Tim Warner made a diffident Buttons, building up a good rapport with the audience, such as we were.
Keith Walton’s production lacked precision but had verve and energy. Carol Baker was the musical director.
Cast Details:
Dandini
Nigel Sorensen
Little Miss Muffet
Jane Walton
Prince Charming
Chrissie Cooper
Baron Hardup
Richard Lloyd
Buttons
Tim Warner
Cinderella
Helen Noble
Tutti
Marc Weston
Frutti
Chris Argles
Dobbin
Martin Cole
Dobbin
Paul Cooper
Fairy Godmother
Lesley Argles
Rag
Liz Sutton
Tag
Terry Sorensen
Bobtail
Andrew Dunn
Bear
Olivia Turner
King
Chris Woolgar
Chorus;
Caroline Dunn
Chorus;
Marina Foxlee
Chorus;
Tim Young
Chorus;
Martin Cole
Technical Crew Details:
Director
Keith Walton
Lighting
Chris Garrett
Lighting
Graham Rigby
Sound
Paul Cooper
Musical Director
Carol Baker