There are not many evenings out that the whole family can enjoy, where children can shout and dance without other guests or diners complaining or sneering at the parents. Cinderella at Marown school last Friday was just that place!
 
It was a take on the classic tale of Cinderella played by Lynn Kermode. Cinders was enjoying a simple existence taking care of her father Baron Horace Hardup (Paul Craine) and spending time with her loyal friend Buttons (Dave Butler), when her whole world was turned upside down by the arrival of a new stepmother and two unfriendly stepsisters. With their arrival the jokes began to flow thick and fast. The ugly sisters played by Andrew Lodge and Andrew Willoughby looked hilarious and like all good pantomime dames they were funny and engaged with the audience very well. My favourite scene was their 'bedtime striptease' with no need for words just great music, comic interpretation and timing.
 
The choice of music throughout the show was excellent. Songs such as 'Mambo No.5' playing while the key cast members cooked together for the ball, and Pharrell Williams song 'Happy', got some of the audience dancing, clapping and singing along. Also the scene with Dandini played by Graham Crowe singing 'Beauty school drop-out' was an ode to the classic scene in the film Grease and very well done.
 
All the cast members played their parts very well. The younger members were enthusiastic with many playing a variety of roles, playing instruments and dancing. Everyone looked like they were having fun and a great team spirit was evident. My Children's favourite character was the new addition to the panto 'Hagan the pantomime horse' there were lots of giggles at his dance moves!
 
With lots of local references and jokes it was a feel good, evening with excellent acting, spot on comic timing and great music. I hope to visit Marownia again very soon.