REVIEW: HMT'S PANTO CINDERELLA IS ALL ABOUT MAGIC
Denny Andonova
December 15, 2019
Joy McAvoy, Sally Howitt, Paul-James Corrigan, Louie Spence and Alan McHugh
An explosion of magic, inspiration, creativity and talent - that’s the best way to describe this year’s HMT family pantomime Cinderella, which takes the audience for a ball in the enchanting world of Aberdonia.
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With spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous music and infectious humour, the all-star cast will make you forget all the worries you may have to let you fully sink into the performance of a lifetime.
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Dancer and choreographer Louie Spence makes a dazzling appearance in the role of Prince Charming’s right hand man Dandini. He brings spellbinding energy to the stage and captivates the audience with his very first entrance. Funny and witty, Spence wins the crowd with some outstanding moves in a hilarious dance-off and tongue-twisting comedies that will get you to repeat “Sushi Susie selling sushi on a Saturday” even in your sleep.
Paul-James Corrigan and Alan McHugh
River City star Paul-James Corrigan easily makes his way into everyone’s heart, especially the children’s, with his endearing portrayal of Cinderella’s silly best friend, Buttons. Teamed up with Aberdeen’s favourite Alan Hugh who plays Baroness Heifer McHardup, they are the perfect duo that keeps the theatre hall buzzing with energy from the very beginning until the royal wedding.
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Aberdeen-born Laura Main is the magical sparkle that gives the show the flare of a fairy tale. She is everything you would expect for Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother – beautiful, warm and loving, with a delicate sense of humour.
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The stellar cast is backed-up by the talented ensemble who gets all the applause for its sparkling tap dance scene in Act II that even Astaire would bow before. Written and directed by Hugh, the show is a fantastic entertainment for the whole family. The script is perfectly balanced to suit both adults and children, with slightly cheeky humour that keeps the laugh going but never crosses the line. Combined with the sound of Doric language, very well-thought local references and a fine mix of modern and old-school songs, it makes the Cinderella panto the perfect family night in winter Aberdeen.