Cinderella

It has been a very long time since we have seen professional pantomime in Perth, and while pantomime has been growing in popularity in the community theatres in the last few years, it is hard to beat the excitement of practically perfect panto in a big venue. Zealous Productions, under the artistic direction of Dixie Johnston, brings us the best of British pantomime tradition, with a cast that sing and act superbly.

Director Peter Cumins has spent most of his adult life in the UK (he is a Covid gift to Perth), and understands the genre well, giving us high and campy comedy that appeals to audiences from 2 to 102. There are lots of local and up to the minute jokes, and some naughty double-entendre that flies above the heads of the younger folk.

Recent WAAPA graduate Amber Scates plays the title role with grace and sweetness (and more than a touch of feminine power) singing up a storm and charming the socks off everyone. (We love the fact that Cinderella wears Amber’s trademark pink throughout). She works beautifully with Ethan Jones - a worthy and handsome prince, played with lovely swagger.

Elethea Sartorelli is a gorgeous Fairy Godmother, a fantastic and funny fairy who surprises many in the audience with her powerhouse voice. Absolutely delightful.

Tate Bennet is a deserved audience favourite as Buttons, four days after finishing his previous show, he works the audience wonderfully and brings energy and expert timing. Lachlan Obst is a loveable Dandini, who moves beautifully, with Robert Hofman lending his beautiful baritone to the downtrodden Baron Hardup.

Penny Shaw will be almost unrecognisable to Divalicious fans as she revels in the villainy of the nasty Baroness Hardup, the most evil of evil stepmothers who encourages the boos and hisses of the audience. The Ugly Stepsisters, Danni and Fanny, are played with expert teamwork, and excellent improvisation skills by Brendan Hanson and John O’Hara, wonderful to look at and almost unrecognisable under makeup design from Manuao TeAotonga.

A small ensemble - Georgina Charteris, Tory Kendrick, Phoebe Tempra and Bri Caracciolo - add colour and large smiles and perform a good proportion of Alan Blachford’s varied and fun choreography. The show sounds great throughout as the excellent singing under Joshua Webb is supported with strong tracks created especially for this show by Joe Louis Robinson and a sound design by Michael Fletcher.

Visually spectacular (watch for the Fairy Godmother’s first entrance and a spectacular carriage), John Johnstone’s sets also serve the show well and are lit with pizazz by Brad Voss. Costuming is simply beautiful, from the iconic dresses worn by Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother through to the hot mess of the Stepsisters.

The Opening Night audience needed no training in how to respond to pantomime, with the shouted responses delivered with fervour and strong enthusiastic singing. There was noticeable crying with laughter and much bouncing with excitement in seats (not just from the kids).

Let’s hope that the finale promise to see us all next year comes to fruition. Zealous Productions has gifted Perth a very special Christmas present. See this show, whether you are young or just need a treat!

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath