Cinderella

As Christmas approaches it can mean only one thing at Norwich Theatre Royal – it's panto time. Oh yes it is!

This year's version of Cinderella is set in the fictional, and thinly-veiled, seaside resort of Crabington Sands, a town with a pier, pastel coloured houses, and a pub called The Saucy Seagull. The story is served with a seemingly endless supply of local jokes and references – everything from catching crabs under the pier to riding the snails at Joyland - and all written by Great Yarmouth born Joe Tracini. Tracini has now appeared in every Norwich Theatre pantomime since 2019, when he first starred as Buttons.

And it is Tracini's energy and enthusiasm that really drives the show. He is the pocket dynamo that has a grumpy old grinch like me laughing at his jokes, enjoying his slapstick slosh routine, and joining in with his songs. He is the one left hanging helplessly from the end of a rope at the end of ‘Ring My Bell’, performed by a troupe of air-friars. He is the one destined to be just-good-friends with Cinderella after The Prince has tracked her down. And he is the one that leads us in the audience sing-along to The Wiggly Worm Song at the very end.

However Tracini, who is playing Buttons, is supported by a talented cast that includes dancers, singers and actors from London's West End, as well as familiar names from television, and some of our very own, home-grown, talent as well.

Starring as Cinderella is Georgia May Foote, perhaps better known as Katy Armstrong from Coronation Street, and also for being runner-up (with partner Giovanni Pernice) in Strictly Come Dancing. This is her first pantomime, and yet she fits into the role of Cinders as comfortably as the glass slippers that she wears to the ball. She gets her handsome prince, who is served with a generous helping of East End charm by Danny Hatchard. Formerly known for playing Mick Carter's son, Lee, in Eastenders, Hatchard may not be the most regal prince to tread the pantomime boards, but he does it with gusto and a cheeky charm that is hard to resist.

Hannah Jane Fox, who plays the Fairy Godmother, certainly knows her pantomime ropes, having appeared in both Dick Wittington and Snow White. She also knows how to belt out a showstopper, having spent four years as Scaramouche in the Queen musical, 'We Will Rock You'. Her experience, and stage presence, makes her, for me, the vocal star of the show. And, like Georgia May Foote, she has also played Columbia, my favourite character in The Rocky Horror Show.

Jeevan Braich is The Prince's assistant, Dandini. As the winner of the What’s On Stage Award for Best Professional Debut Performance for Rusty in Starlight Express, he seems desperately underused in this, his pantomime debut, but is most definitely on track with both his vocal contribution and his dancing.

Which leaves us with Luisa and Lavinia (or Loo and Lav, the toilet twins, as they like to call themselves). They are the wicked stepsisters, and are played brilliantly by Norfolk's Owen Evans and Kenny Moore. Not only do they have the best accents, but they are given the funniest lines and the best jokes. Together, they are just fabulous. Appearing together for the first time, they create a comedy dream team. And, as they demand to know, throughout the show, “Aren't We Gorgeous!”, who are we to disagree? Yes, my loves. You most certainly are.

Add in the dancers and the junior ensemble (tonight it was Team Coach doing the honours), and the show becomes a non-stop cavalcade of comedy, colour and music. With choreography by Aimee Leigh, and sixteen musical numbers under the direction of Lee Freeman, this year's production of Cinderella, directed by Andrew Lynford, is spectacular, colourful, funny and polished. What more could you ask?

This is a must-see Christmas treat. Don't delay, get your tickets today!

Cinderella is on at Norwich Theatre Royal until January 4th.