Cinderella
Press Article - Rutland Times - Friday January 17 2003
Perfect cure for dull days
Cinderella by the Cottesmore Village Players at Market Overton Village Hall, which is on until tomorrow.
BY BRIAN MARTIN
Christmas may be over but the panto season lives on and this feast of fun is guaranteed to brighten the dull, dank days of January and send you happily into the fog and frost.
This splendid drama group never cease to amaze.
At a time when rural communities are falling apart, it remains a marvellous example of teamwork and local pride. The enthusiasm is infectious and the pocket stage at Market Overton brings this traditional chestnut to life. Director Mike Lees has again concocted a winner from his tiny, yet talented, team.
The story is traditional with a few local gags thrown in for good measure - and the Ugly Sisters (Paul Southerington and Rob Chisholm) are among the funniest I've seen, including professional panto.
This home-grown show has everything - a pretty Cinderella, a droll Buttons, a fiendish witch, a delightful Fairy Godmother and a pair of beligerent broker's "men" who dress like Wee Willie Harris with a mouth to match.
The plot is as old as the hills. Much of the action takes place in Hardup Hall where Baron Stoneybroke (the excellently underplaying Paul Laird) owes five years VAT plus interest. His daughters are unweddable and Cinders is just a pain in the Aga. But enter the FG (Liz Laird) and things suddenly take an upward turn.
Cinders (the winsome Katy Aldred) is transformed from scullery maid to Princess Radiant quick as sticks and goes to the Ball. Prince Charming (Jan Harvey) takes her fancy and the eventual Royal wedding does wonders for the Stoneybroke bank balance. And so to bed.
The CVP production is, as ever, as solid and reliable as a Dulux dog. The music includes scattered interpretations of Summer Lovin', Sisters, All the Things You Are and Long Ago and Far Away and all the vocalists make a fair fist of each show-stopper.
The cast exits and enters with panache. The opening is astonishing, with ghostly spirits dancing to the dramatic strains of Carl Orff's O Fortuna, and watch out for the huge flaring fireworks which mark Cinderella's transformation. While you're about it, listen to the beautiful arpeggios played by pianist Chris Martin during Act One. Chris joins with Tony Gilbert (bass) and Dennis Simmonds (drums) to provide an excellent accompaniment throughout.
For the rest, enjoy the thigh slapping antics of producer Dawn Lees as Dandini, the quirky humour of John Welby as Buttons and the absolute villainy of Barbara Jenkins as Nigthshade. Village shopkeeper Alan Lane and Jane Armour are perfect Smash and Grabbit, while David Jenkins (wearing as much gold as Shirley Eaton in the Bond movie) is nicely effete as Cupid.
The cast also included Ian Taylor, Celia Aldred and Ellie King, David Aldred, Zoe Smith, Margaret Wolfe, Steve and Jo Gluning and Helena Wells. Nicky Hulbert is choreographer; Claire Codling the front of house/prompt; and David Jenkins and Ellie King the scenery artists. Les Green handles the lighting and, with wife Barbara, the publicity.
Tickets were still available for last night's performance (Thursday) but they are selling fast for other performances, so give Mike Lees a ring on 812303 to book yours now. The remaining shows are tonight (7.30pm) and tomorrow when there are three shows (noon, 3pm and 8pm). Tickets are £4 with £3.50 concessions.
Correction: Les Green, with help from his wife Barbara is in charge of publicity. However, Bob Armour handles the lighting.
