Cinderella - The Victoria Theatre, Halifax

Whilst it may not have the sheen and high value productions as some of the other pantomimes happening in the region, the Victoria Theatre version of Cinderella is still a good, entertaining show. Looking around the theatre at the smiling faces of the youngsters in the audience it didn't matter if this was a big production or not.

Neil Hurst as Buttons is the link between all the characters in the show, he is funny yet convincing. His love for Cinderella played by Carly Burns seems genuine and when she says that she loves Buttons in the same way a sister loves a brother, his down turned face was a touching moment.

He has some classic one liners, some of which are used by Billy Pearce in the pantomime over in Bradford at The Alhambra; in fact, Hurst does make reference to the Bradford pantomime in one of his many one liners.

The Ugly Sisters played by Steve Fortune and Tim Churchill are a delight; their outrageous costumes are, as you would expect, over the top. They make their entrance at the start of the show by walking down the middle of the stalls which was unexpected. They have some of the best lines in the show; "I used to sell loose onions, until I got the sack" is one for starters.

There is the classic panto scene where the Ugly Sisters and Buttons sit on a park bench when a ghost tries to scare each one of them off, except in this panto, it's a statue called Eddie. It is a well tried and tested formula but the children think it is hilarious.

Ann Micklethwaite plays the Fairy Godmother with a touch of magic whilst Daniel Coll as Barn Hardup plays the role with authority.

Claire Trusson as Prince Charming is as her name suggests, charming, whilst her companion, Dandini is played with a direct attitude by Katherine Lunney. The four adult dancers never miss a beat and the Junior Chorus are a youthful, energetic addition.

To keep the youngsters and the grown ups attention no scene appears to be too long and the songs are modern too with the Mick Ronson/Bruno Mars hot from last year, Uptown Funk being performed by the cast in a joyful mood.

Although the horse that took Cinderella to the Ball may have not been real, the one that they did have was so good you could think you were looking at the real thing.

The classic pantomime story ends with the wedding as you would expect but it doesn't finish there as they all perform the Earth Wind and Fire hit, Boogie Wonderland.

A talented cast who provided a fantastic pantomime in a very reasonably priced show.





Runs until Sunday 3 January 2016.

Tickets are £17.95 and under, available from www.victoriatheatre.co.uk