I must express a personal dislike for scripts that make fun of disabilities such as deafness. I found that this version of Cinderella by Lazy Bee Scripts not only had Baron Hardup suffering from this affliction but also using a wheeled zimmer-frame to aid his mobility.
Knowing that Graham Lees does not need such assistance, and that he had considerable experience in playing successful comedy roles, I felt that it was an unnecessary prop.
That said, the production moved at a good pace with more comedy from the husband and wife team Carol and Simon Crooks as the ugly sisters, Gertrude and Griselda, and bright musical numbers from Helen McDonnell as Cinderella, Rosemary Merry as the Prince and Nicola Dolan as Dandini.
The hard-working Ben Ireson did well as Buttons, especially in his "Elvis" routine with the well-drilled dancers and chorus.
Samantha Moss was delightful as the Fairy Godmother. Alex Burgess was a youthful King Cuthbert and Ruth Carpenter brought light relief to the part of the Prime Minister with a parodied version of the Major-General's song from Pirates.
I felt that Kate Wurcbacher could have been directed to bring more "wickedness" to the character of the Stepmother thereby giving the audience more opportunities to boo.
The well-lit sets were good, the musical accompaniment was spot on and the costumes were bright and cheerful.
NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association