There was eleventh-hour drama but Cinderella promises midnight magic
Until Sunday January 10 Cinderella
Theatre Royal Windsor
You shall go to the ball!
Despite stumbles, tumbles and tiers before bedtime, Cinderella has whirled into Windsor in an allsinging, all-dancing no-shouting show to remember.
It’s true about the lack of shouting. The full magic of pantomime is promised but the coronavirus situation has meant a few changes for the production team.
I caught up with some of the cast before the second lockdown to find out more.
Favourite Windsor dame (and script creator) Steven Blakeley exudes relief.
“I just love it here,” he said. “I spend every Christmas here, our default position throughout the year was that we’re going ahead.
“We have to be very careful, we’re not allowed to do ‘he’s behind you’, ‘hello boys and girls’, all of that, that all has to go. You can’t encourage any sort of mass shouting. We have found a way – because I write it as well – I’ve had to go through the whole script and find alternative ways.
“So there’s still communication going on, it’s just not verbal communication.
“It’ll be a bit experimental to begin with to see how it fares but I think we’ve found a way.
“It’s also an honour to be doing one of the only pantos in the country.”
Alice Filary, who plays Cinders, said: “I’m really excited, it’s just an honour to be in one of the only pantos going on and they’re doing so well here, they’re keeping all the magic but doing it in the safest way possible.
“Three years ago I was sweeping the stage after panto and now I’m in one. Cinderella is my favourite, it’s got magic, it’s got romance, it’s got really good Ugly Sisters, it’s got Basil Brush!”
Safety is a big aspect of the rehearsal and production process, but Steven is confident the show has all the magic escapism audiences want from panto.
“There has been a big health and safety thing to work out how we can interact – there are bubbles going on and some of the ensemble are real-life couples which has made life a little easier for us.
“We’ve got songs new and old sorted – there are one or two jokes about politicians but people can come in and be given an experience where they can forget all that’s happening this year.”
Last word goes to Basil Brush, looking bright-eyed and bushytailed ready for his next appearance with Windsor favourite Kevin Cruise in a warm and hilarious partnership.
“This is my seventh pantomime here in Windsor,” said the stage and TV star.
“In my career I think I must have done over 40, including the London Palladium, Birmingham Hippodrome... Theatre Royal is my spiritual home. It’s wonderful.”