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Christmas is the perfect time for theatre. A chance to get in out of the cold. Time to spend with family and friends. Reasons to laugh like a loon at silly jokes. You will get all this and more at the Cinderella pantomime at Manchester’s Opera House.
Based on the classic fairytale, Cinderella wishes to go to the ball and find her true love, the Prince Charming. With the help of best friend Buttons and the fairy godmother, Cinderella manages to get away from her ugly stepsister, Michaela and Phelina.
Waterloo Road star Shannon Flynn is the elegant and beautiful Cinderella, and she shines on stage with a pitch-perfect voice. Cinders is hopelessly smitten with the Prince Charming, played by Pop Idol’s Gareth Gates. Gates’ pop voice wasn’t as strong as may be needed, but his presence got the mums wooing.
The ugly sisters were played by the comic Coronation Street duo of Les Denis and Connor McIntyre. With references to the soap and jokes for the adults and kids, these two bounced off each other throughout and
The star of the show was Ben Nickless’ performance as the comic and clumsy Buttons. Nickless’ impressions were absolutely outstanding, and I haven’t laughed so hard in such a long while, especially at his Elvis impression.
The costumes (designed by Mike Coltman) were incredible, with Cinderella transforming from her rags to riches in an amazing onstage magic quick change.
The set (designed by The Twins FX) was beautiful and magical, including the horse-drawn carriage which wowed and amazed the audience.
This production is what a pantomime should be – magical, funny and a great night out for children and adults alike!
Cinderella is on until Sunday 30th December tickets available here.