Tintinhull's Cinderella

Tintinhull Drama Group present Cinderella

My final pantomime to moderate for the Cinderella Competition takes me to Tintinhull. A quaint quiet village where everything seems silent and tranquil until you reach the village hall!

It is here where Tintinhull Drama Group are presenting Cinderella. On a chilly Saturday afternoon it was time to ‘Button’ up my overcoat and park my ‘Carriage’ as early as possible knowing parking would be an issue for yet another sell out performance.

The script was written by Nick Lawrence and for her debut, in the hot seat, was Natalie Gowan as director assisted by Vicki Singleton.

This was certainly an action packed pantomime from start to finish. I felt maybe tighter script editing could have been appropriate in places perhaps shaving off around fifteen minutes of the show.

Nonetheless, what a remarkable show piece this turned out to be. And a show piece this most certainly was. There were many memorable moments I wasn’t expecting from a village hall! Breaking the forth wall created depth and added much audience reaction to this pantomime. We didn’t quite know where to look first!

A very talented, energetic and experienced team of principals gave us  OTT performances making this the panto it was.

On this occasion it would be unfair to name individual characters as each one of you portrayed a role in your own unique style and often comical way.

What a talented ensemble both junior and slightly older! It is always a delight to watch ‘little people’ treading the boards. I especially loved the ‘cleaning routine’. This was very different. Can I book them all in to do my spring cleaning please!

An array of society made costumes added visual appeal especially from those delectable Sisters. The walk down looked amazing.

How delightful to see a live band and if you were a ‘Queen’ fan then this show was certainly for you!

Attention to detail is the key in any pantomime and it is here where you most certainly scored. The arrival of Ammonia and Amnesia on their mobility scooter, the arrival too of Cinders in her carriage and a neat well handled audience participation song all tot up points in the Cinderella Competition.

Congratulations to all those in set design. Each scene looked most vibrant. The woodland scene was striking and I was watching those eyes! I was also watching those hands on the clock too!

Props were aplenty and many over the top. Congratulations Toby, Julie, Hev and Rowena.

And what a finale to end this years pantomime season. I have never heard one quite so moving as this.

I salute you all and congratulate everyone on stage and off for a truly remarkable Cinderella experience.

Nigel Ford

Moderator