Appearing in Cinderella, are, front, from left, Laura Groves, Geoff Callaghan and Steve Trasler. Back, Nora Dempsey, Alan Dyson, Paul Stevens, John Woodford, Faye Lushey, Bill King and Richard Buckley. In the horse are Mo White (front) and Julie Joy.
STAGE REVIEW
THERE ain’t nothing like having two dames in a show. It turns it into a real pantomime.
The double act of Ugly Sisters Grizelda and Gertrude (aka John Woodford and Paul Stevens) stuffed full of falsies and double entendres proved that all that glitters is gold.
Their costumes certainly sparkled, as did those of the cast of many who trod the boards of Ventnor Winter Gardens in Cinderella.
Ventnor Theatre Group has put on musicals, reviews and the odd play, but for 37 years has majored on pantomime, making it a real town tradition.
It was way back in 1972 that its first panto was...Cinderella. Oh yes it was!
Director, 23-year-old Andrew Woodford, had the job of marshalling a cast of thousands, including giving his dad, John, some direction.
He turned it into a pacy show full of tunes from other shows and opera, too, and the odd pyrotechnic.
Fresh from winning the best newcomer accolade in the CP IW Amateur Theatre Awards, Laura Groves took on the lead role and showed why she was chosen. She can really sing.
The theatre group has no trouble raising a cast and Richard Buckley was an obvious choice as charming buffoon Buttons. The show was packed with effective double acts.
Group stalwart Bill King shrugged off his recent villainous roles for that of the likable baron Borace Hardup. He might not be able to sing but gusto goes an awful long way. Faye Lushley was his gold-digging wife.
Nathan Meller did a couple of pleasing duets with Cinders and teamed well with his valet, Dandini (Matthew Busbridge).
Nora Dempsey as the Fairy Godmother was in particularly good voice and the Royal Drummers from Medina Marching Band out front were a particularly nice touch, bashing along with the pit musicians.
Cleared the lugholes out a bit. Oh yes it did!
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk