First rate performances raise the bar in this terrific panto
- Charles Essex
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Cinderella, performed by Tread the Boards at The Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Running from 14 December 2025 until 4 January 2026. Written by John-Robert Partridge. Directed by Andy Woolley.
Review by Charles Essex.
A humorously painted backdrop of Cinderella’s kitchen is almost the only prop in this familiar pantomime. Being devoid of furniture, director Andy Woolley was able to use the Attic’s relatively small stage and proximity to the audience to allow the cast to engage fully with everyone. It also allowed full expression of Elysia Sully’s wonderful choreography. Combined with the very clever script by John-Robert Partridge with quick-fire jokes and fabulous performances by all, the cast carried this production to a new level for pantomimes.
In his best comic role to date, Matt Rousseau was superb as Buttons, full of enthusiasm, his energy never flagging for a moment in this very physical role. As the narrator, he interacted with the audience brilliantly, which was especially impressive when three very young volunteers were on stage.
The dance routines with duets and group numbers were well rehearsed and flawless. Elysia, as Cinderella, was very accomplished as she sang solos and duets with Prince Charming (Sam Kingsley). Sam had an astonishing voice when he sang and had impressive posture and movement when dancing. Martha Allen gave an all round accomplished performance as Dandini, Prince Charming’s sidekick. Not only were her singing and dancing very fluent but her acting, timing and characterisation were impeccable. Musical direction by Abigail Drennan incorporated perfectly appropriate songs. Combined with Elysia’s choreography, the song and dance routines such as the simultaneous duets and routines of “You’ve got a Friend in Me” by Sam and Martha, and Elysia and Matt, were faultless.
The carriage to take Cinderella to the ball was inventively constructed to fit in the Attic’s restricted space. An ingenuous piece of theatre was Buttons and Cinderella on a sleigh ride, with the audience voicing the sound effects, to the delight of the younger audience members.
The ugly sisters of Lambrini (Andy Woolley) and Chardonnay (Adam Clarke) garnered huge laughs throughout. They were a great double act and were immensely enjoyable whenever they were on stage, with their bickering and teasing and gentle innuendos.
This was a top drawer performance by Tread the Boards. This reviewer recommends that you get tickets for you and your family, young and old, whilst you can.
Tickets from www.theattictheatre.co.uk including details of adult performances.
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