Beautiful is not an adjective that is often applied to pantomime.  | | Fairy Godmother |
Although Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast are popular Christmas pantomimes, beauty is still a rarity in other pantos. However, there were several beautiful aspects of this season's panto at the Playhouse. Top of the bill was the stunningly pretty Lucinda Rhodes-Flaherty in the title role. Jacqueline Boatswain was also beautiful in the combined roles of Fairy Godmother and Old Woman. Laughs abounded from start to finish in this feel good production, thanks to excellent casting. Beautiful legs delighted the eye on the pantomime dancers. They were particularly noticeable and dramatic in the hunting scene, set in the Forest of Florizel. And there's more... On top of this we had the great delights of the renowned Jimmy Cricket as the lovelorn Buttons.  | | Buttons |
Real-life brothers, Gordon and Bunny Jay, portrayed the Ugly Sisters amusingly. Gordon doubled his role as Buttercup with that of director. The singing, acting and dancing added even more beauty, making this superb entertainment for children from 9 months to 99 years of age. In all, this production of Cinderella is a must-see treat for all the family. Some doubters may think that I have gone beyond the age where I should be watching pantomimes. Notwithstanding the opinion of these killjoys, I sincerely hope to have many more years of pantomime enjoyment ahead of me yet. | 
