| The Real Thing |
Aberystwyth Pantomime |
| Cinderella- The Wardens , Aberystwyth Arts Centre , January 30, 2024 |
In 2023 some theatre boards, albeit not many, were filing returns that audiences were “slow to return.” Given the number of events and the packed-out houses their failure to connect ought in a good world to be seen for what it is. Ceredigion is the least densely populated county of England and Wales. It has the highest rate of depopulation and the Wardens can more or less pack Theatr y Werin for three weeks. It does so for three reasons. The first is fidelity to its genre. It is not, however, a static reproduction but an annual renewal. Not so far over the border, in Stoke on Trent, a university is pioneering study into pantomime, described as “one of Britain’s great contributions to world theatre.” The purpose: “to increase respect for this interactive art form.”* The audience interaction is deep. Sisters Dotty and Potty walk the rows in search of prospective paramours. “Why are all the men shrinking in their seats?” This is the real thing and the spray from the water cannons is real water. Few companies last beyond a human lifetime. Those that do manage the trick of change-within-continuity. The elements of continuity in the Wardens are several. Some members of the company go back a long way, even as far as the inaugural pantomime in 1983. Richard Cheshire and Ioan Guile have a rapport of many seasons, but they are hugely energised by Carl Ryan. They make a honed trio in a scene of escalating word-play with many a verbal slip on offer. Sian who shines shoes, shines and sits, on a Saturday in Shrewsbury is just a small part of it. Donna Richards' Fairy Godmother has a fine singing voice. Theresa Jones' Baroness has an unequalled sneer of disdain for those she deems beneath her. Hannah Sefton was a dancer in the last outing of “Cinderella” and is a winning Cinders. Alex Neil is a regal lead with a strong voice and commanding princely presence. The Wardens have never skimped on spectacle. The wigs are big, the backcloths rich. A woodland scene is inhabited with charming squirrels, foxes and birdlife. It is part of the company tradition that a lot of children get to perform. The production boldly gives a group their own musical number. Out of the blue “Flash, Bang, Wallop” bursts into animated life. Lorna Lowe and Carl Ryan are choreographers. There is very sharp foot-work on show. The group for the last-but-one day of performance are Grante Burlegaite, Eva Dumbrill, Florence Ifan, Steffan Jewell, Maddison Jones, Mali Lennon, Jenna Louise McNicholls Vale, Eiry Merriman, Cadi Fflur Morgan, Alexandra Raddie Jackson, Greta Grug Williams, Liwsi Win Morgan. These youngsters are winners. Among them perhaps are names set to take the lead roles in the 2030s. The linchpin is the music, Elinor Powell another familiar collaborator. The six-strong band includes the evergreen Louise Amery on piano, Llew Evans on lead guitar, Josh Ireland on drums, Tim Williams on bass guitar. Harvey Hassan returns with his fabulous trumpet for the big ensemble scenes. The structure of the Wardens show has changed over the years. It is shorter. This year the second act is made of eight scenes. The climax feels a little rushed. Structurally it could have been filled out with “If I were not upon this stage...” or “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Both are well-proven creators of audience ecstasy. The stage in Aberystwyth has a record of propelling young performers into professional life. Here is betting that the world of stage is going to see more of little DiddiDini. There is an interesting current trend in theatre. While special effects in cinema are losing their impact, theatre is benefiting from its power for illusion effected in real common space. The transformation scene for Cinderella, her rags-to-stunning-ballgown, is done with lights, scenic effect, some doubling. But it elicits a collective gasp of wonder. It is a joy to be witness to it. And an artistic first. A strangely surreal visual joke has a table packed with food whizzing past its intended diners. A large 20 miles per hour sign is brought on stage. *see https://www.staffs.ac.uk/news/2021/12/oh-yes-it-is-university-launches-worlds-first-panto-degree |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
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