The pantomime at Birmingham Hippodrome has been a staple of the UK theatre scene for what seems like forever. The venue is the busiest theatre outside of the capital and - especially at this time of year - it's clear to see why.
Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights around the city centre, and a decidedly festive feel to Birmingham this year in general, the 1,850 seat venue was buzzing as the audience took their seats for tonights performance.
Cinderella is the latest offering from Qdos, and director Michael Harrison's eighth consecutive pantomime at the Hippodrome. The show that's put on here is always huge and continues the trend of West End values on a Birmingham stage. Gone are the days of cloth backdrops - Cinderella maintains the novelty and charm of years gone by but with a slick, professional twist.
The production values involved here are INSANE. The costumes and set are lavish; no expense has been spared to bring the traditional story to life and the lighting and musical score wouldn't be out of place on Shaftesbury Avenue. The cast bringing the story to life are also, in my opinion, one of the best I've seen in recent years.
Returning for his fifth consecutive pantomime appearance, Birmingham’s favourite funny man, Matt Slack, plays Buttons after winning rave reviews and legions of fans following last year’s performance as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington. Slack's technique and timing is, as ever, exceptional. He has the audience in the palm of his hand from the word 'go' and, quite simply, if 'comedy' were a vehicle then Slack would be driving a Maserati. Every panto has the token 'jester', whether it's Buttons, Idle Jack or Simple Simon. For me, this honorary Brummie is the benchmark that others in this role should match up to, year in, year out.
There’s almost too many stand out Matt-moments to mention but safe to say the moment four kids join him on stage has THE BEST end to a hilarious skit. Pay attention!
Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Danny Mac, has just completed a run in Sunset Boulevard to rave reviews and returns to the second city to play Prince Charming. I think it's fair to say that there was nobody in the audience who didn't think he looked the part but there were some who hadn't seen Sunset who were a little confused by the casting. However, by the interval, the same people had fast become his biggest fans. Mac has proven over the last 12 months that he's far more than a hunky soap actor - this man has a strong stage presence and is the calibre of leading man that compels you to watch.
Whether you remember Suzanne Shaw as a fifth of pop group, Hear'Say, or for her stint on Emmerdale, you'll definitely remember her for her performance on stage this Christmas! With a youthful elegance that encapsulates Cinderella perfectly and an awesome singing voice, her growth as a character makes for compelling viewing - indeed, the fact we're even talking about character growth at a pantso shows the type of production this is.
Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall bring the 'evil' to the Hippodrome as the Ugly Sisters. This is the first time the two veterans of pantomime have worked together like this - and I don't think there's a person in the audience who pray's the relationship doesn't continue. Pantomime requires a certain brand of 'likeable' evil and that's something Dupree and Randall have in droves. The second duo on stage are The Grumbleweeds and WHAT a duo they are! In their guise as the tax men of Birmingham, they’re reaponsible for the shows funniest moment. A duet with a soul diva makes for viewing that gives you proper belly laughs and moments where you struggle to see for the tears in your eyes!
However. Capping off the cast list and starring in her first ever pantomime, literally an hour away from her home town (no pressure!), is Beverley Knight. For me, the fairy godmother can be somewhat of a throwaway part. You come on, wave your wand around and then pop up a few times before the wedding at the end. However when you have an artist of Beverley's calibre in the wings and dress - 'throwaway' couldn't be further from the truth.
Having taken leading roles in The Bodyguard, Cats and Memphis, Knight's command of a stage is exemplary. Whether it's the local girl stance, her incredible talent - or a mixture of the two - Knight takes a part which could generally be considered as a 'supporting' role and absolutely steals the show.
indeed, Cats at the London Palladium was my first time watching Bev in a musical. It was a performance that will stay with me forever and her rendition of ‘Memory’ was so powerful the audience were on their feet mid-way.
She's not only one of our best musical exports, Knight has a passion and sincerity in her voice which infects the audience and takes those who have the privilege of hearing her perform on a journey. The sheer power she has in her belt makes her one of those special group of performers who can fill a venue without the need for a microphone.
However it's her Wolverhampton charm and commitment to her part that makes her fairy godmother more than the traditional. Knight knows what the audience want and knows how to bring it, which makes her scenes a joy to watch. Her reprise of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ at the end is simply mind blowing.
The amazing thing about Cinderella is that, once again, this is a show with no missing links. Everybody on the stage is professional, well rehearsed and clearly having the time of their lives. Even the ad-hoc, seemingly improvised elements of the show are laugh-out-loud funny and make this not only one of the best pantomimes around, but one of the best shows around.
Cinderella runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until 28th January 2018. For more information, take a look online at birminghamhippodrome.com.
