After 18 years as the resident villain on Strictly Come Dancing, Craig Revel Horwood is no stranger to embracing typecasting. Over the festive season, he combines his fondness of being the baddie with his penchant for drag to dazzling effect as Baroness Demonica Hardup, aka the wicked stepmother in Cinderella at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Bringing a touch of high calibre West End glamour to panto proceedings, it's a pleasure to watch Craig sashay his way across the stage, towering quite literally above the rest of the cast with a succession of incredible gowns trimmed in acres of ruffles, fringes and sequins. He gamely scowls - and occasionally grimaces - his way through several numbers, demonstrating the full breadth of his talents, belting I Will Survive in a true diva fashion, and even taking on a front-cloth comedy canon number with flawless timing.
Befitting of her status, Baroness Hardup arrives in style on a golf buggy with the number plate 'fab-u-lous', and this catchphrase, along with Strictly’s famous theme tune, is employed liberally throughout the show. Putting his merengue where his mouth is, the audience is also treated to Craig's fancy footwork as he tackles the Charleston, as well as a bit of bumping and grinding, all with unshakable poise.
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Hailing from Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, the Baroness is supported by the eight-strong ensemble who do their utmost to fill the stage, bringing energy and charisma to their routines throughout, whether it's ballroom choreography at the prince’s palace or as slightly disturbing pumpkin-headed henchmen in Cinderella’s kitchen.
The titular role, as well as her alter-ego ‘princess starlight’, are handled with ease by local actress Lauren Hampton, who, in something of a Cinderella story of her own, returns to the Hippodrome where she used to dance in panto as a child. With her bright sunny voice and engaging performance, her Cinderella could probably do with having a few more numbers to sing, not to mention a new ball gown.
With a simple love story borne out of mistaken identity, a single compliment escalates to a devoted duet in the blink of an eye as Cinderella is won over by her prince charming, played with dashing good humour by Oliver Saville. Accompanied by a debonair Dandini in Daniel Norford, this regal duo has plenty of pizazz, effortlessly belting out a bit of crowd-pleasing Queen to the audience's delight.
The production numbers, played by a tight five-piece ensemble, act as brief interludes between classic pantomime patter provided by Andy Ford, who is making his tenth appearance in the Bristol pantomime, this time as affable, e-scooter riding Buttons.
Ford converses naturally with the audience, and his variety style routines have plenty of gags that everyone can enjoy, with nods, winks and knowing looks aplenty. Well crafted and delivered, he ekes out every drop of humour from his jokes with a sense of spontaneity. When he asks the baying crowd what should be done with the stepsisters, played with deliciously brash spirit by Leanne Jones and Catherine Morris, and one child enthusiastically cries out, “kill them”, he deftly stops to quickly explain that won’t be possible as they are needed for tomorrow's matinee.
From babes in arms and teenagers to parents and grandparents, the packed crowd on the night Bristol Live attended Cinderella was enthralled and delighted by the show’s display of traditional stagecraft of fairy pyrotechnics and the requisite dusting of glitter from above.
While some bits of the set may have seen better days, there’s no expense spared at the end of Act 1 finale, where Alison Jiear, a resplendent fairy godmother, knocks up a coach and horses to whisk Cinderella to the ball. Pulled by two animatronic horses and briefly supported by a third expressive dancing steed, the carriage convincingly floats and hovers out over the front of the stalls, cleverly lit by Alex Marshall.
Panto is a peculiarly timeless British custom which revels in its traditions, and this Cinderella is no different. Save for a Lizzo song and fleeting mentions of party gate and the rise in the cost of living, there’s not much in the script that would make you think the past 10 years has ever happened, leaving parents to explain to their confused children just who Susan Boyle is.
That really doesn't matter, though. Glancing around at the visibly rapt audience, it's clear that few forms of entertainment can compare to the excitement of live theatre. Bristol Hippodrome's Cinderella is perfect for a relaxed night of warm escapism cut with timeless good humour with a sprinkling of festive magic.
Cinderella plays at the Bristol Hippodrome until December 31, with matinee and evening performances available on most days and tickets starting at £13.
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