Cinderella

Weymouth pavilion

By Marion Cox

RAUNCHY dancers, magical fairies, Elvis and the Crazy Frog, where else but in pantomime could you mix together such a weird assortment and get away with it?

Somewhere among this strange collection of characters lurks the traditional tale of Cinderella and her prince who somehow survive the company they are keeping.

Although the script is new, all the favourite panto comedy routines are duly trotted out along with the hoary old jokes that have survived generations of retelling, and the audience get the biggest role of all as they yell out responses, join in the singing and generally have a great time.

Top of the bill as Dandini is Sean Wilson, formerly a tenant of Coronation Street, so it comes as no surprise to have loads of jokes about booze and pubs.

However it is a likeable and talented Andy Pelos who sweeps all before him in the role of Buttons, the classic sad clown doomed always to be the loser in love but still managing to make the whole world laugh.

He makes Buttons a real person, a refreshing change from the usual portrayal of Cinderella's luckless friend. As always, the comic characters steal the limelight in these shows and this production is particularly blessed to have a brilliantly matched pair of suitably grotesque Ugly Sisters who combine to form a perfect double act.

The performances of hard working Kevin James and Quinn Patrick are simply inspired, helped in no small measure by David Foyle's fantastic costumes which are absolutely mind-blowing.

A good looking Richard Munday as Prince Charming somewhat makes up for the sad loss of the now largely defunct thigh-slapping Principal Boy while Helen Patching is not only a pretty Cinderella but an elegant one as well.

With Kirsty Bailey and Mike Carnell completing the cast as the Fairy Godmother and Baron Hardup, the stage is set for a glittering and lavish production that is full of songs, dances and laughter.

Girls from local dance studios make a valuable contribution to a show that takes an up-to-date look at an old art form but still manages to keep the well-loved tradition of panto intact.

There are two performances on most days until January 3 with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

l What's On has teamed up with Weymouth Pavilion and Spillers Pantomimes to offer four family tickets - for two adults and two children - to see Cinderella at Weymouth Pavilion.

To enter the competition, just answer the following question: In which popular soap opera did Sean Wilson appear?

Either email your answer to NickyJenkins@weymouth.gov.uk or drop it into Weymouth Pavilion (to avoid the Christmas post) no later than Friday, December 22. The winners will be the four correct answers selected at random after the competition closes. The competition is not open to employees of Newsquest (Southern)/Weymouth and Portland Borough Council or their families.

There is no cash equivalent of the prize and no correspondence will be entered into.

The editor's decision is final.