LOCAL theatre company Dreamstar IOM Productions are just over half way through the current run of this year's pantomime Cinderella.
Cinderella is the company's fifth production on the Gaiety stage and theatre goers are promised an "old traditional pantomime with a Manx slant" from the show which was written and produced by David Artus.
The magical story features an experienced cast and as well as writing and directing David plays Buttons - Cinderella's hapless sidekick. His endless enthusiasm, slapstick humour, and asides to the audience ensure kids and grown ups are quickly onside.
In true pantomime style the audience are well versed in booing and hissing the baddies. The Ugly Sisters, played by Matthew James and David Dawson, are energetic and genuinely funny and when joined by their mother Baroness Hardup, played by Sonia Callin, are truly repulsive to poor Cinderella.
Cinderella herself, played by Gena Walker, is sickly sweet and somewhat endearing although it is hard to feel empathy towards her when she is being badly treated by her family - perhaps down to the butter wouldn't melt act that a potential princess must adopt.
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother was perfectly played by Mandy Griffin who played Mrs Potts in the Douglas Choral Union version of Beauty and the Beast earlier this year. Covered in sparkles and glitter she delivered a faultless and magical performance throughout.
More than 30 dancers took part in the production in a range of well choreographed routines including an upbeat dance to "I've Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas and a more traditional waltzing scene, in Prince Charming's Ballroom, where the female adult dancers looked like Disney princesses.
Current affairs were cleverly intertwined through the performance including the introduction of someone wearing a Stuart Baggs face mask declaring himself to be the new face of the Manx Government. There were also references to local politicians, the new bus timetable and current weather conditions.
The cast work hard to ensure that the two and a half hour show is engaging from start to finish and all in all Cinderella is a perfect pantomime with just the right amount of sweet throwing, audience participation, slapstick jokes and innuendo for the whole family to enjoy.
Cinderella runs until Monday, January 3. Tickets are available by calling The Box Office on 01624 600555. Group bookings and concessions are available.
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