Panto fizzes and sparkles with festive fun

Cinderella, Grand Pavilion Porthcawl

THERE are plenty of Christmas traditions we all enjoy. For the Tucker-clan one such tradition is the annual pilgrimage to Porthcawl to see the latest pantomime on offer.

It is always a time of high expectation and, time too, spent wondering whether they can match the amazingly high standards set down the years.

So, it’s is with tidings of great joy then, that I can report that the answer to that is a resounding yes and then some.

This Cinderella basically fizzes and sparkles with fantastic festive fun for all the family.

Amazing sets, costumes and musical numbers kept all ages transfixed, but this show really belongs to the supertalented cast. The performances are superb throughout, from a group who look at times like they are having more fun than we are although that would be quite difficult.

Rasheeda Ali is perfect as poor, put-upon Cinderella. A fine singer, she has just the right amount of pathos to get everyone firmly on her side from the start.

She is ably supported by Tina Thomas as the Fairy Godmother and a delightfully Wicked Stepmother.

Jessie Lilley makes a wonderful thigh-slapping Prince Charming along-side the excellent Elin Pavli-Hinde as Dandini.

The group of talented youngsters in the junior chorus are skilfully anchored by Issac Hesketh and the effervescent Ellena Louise Thompson.

Pavilion favourite, Nathan Guy, is outstanding as Cinderella’s lovelorn best mate Buttons.

But there is nothing like a dame and in Cinderella we get two of them, the ghastly ugly sisters Lysteria and Dyspepsia. Jolyon Dixon and Jeremy Cave are superb as the pair everyone loves to hate with the crowd soon hissing and booing their every evil deed.

Do yourself a favour, go and see this, you might find it becomes a very welcome Christmas tradition in your household too.

Cinderella runs at The Grand Pavilion Porthcawl until Sunday, January 7. Call 01656 815 995 for tickets.

Steve Tucker