Cinderella
Review by Steve Roche (with thanks to Georgy Jamieson from Suffolk Theatre)
The Ipswich Regent reopened to host the opening night of the festive pantomime ‘Cinderella’. After an ambitious and expensive refurbishment the old place was resplendent with its beautiful new spaces and enhanced facilities.
‘Cinderella’ is one of the most traditional and often-performed pantos of them all. No surprises with the plot then, but naturally plenty of scope for extra bits and pieces, tailored to suit the skills of the cast.
A bit of coarse comedy early on raised concerns it was going to be on the ‘adult’ side, but it soon calmed down and became fun for all the family. Local residents will be happy with multiple Ipswich references, together with the obligatory poke at Norwich.
Lucy Roper is a Suffolk girl building an impressive career, whose singing and acting make for a delightful and satisfying Cinderella. Francine Lewis entertains with a few impressions while doing a great job as Fairy Godmother. The Ugly Sisters are suitably hideous in appearance, though I’m unconvinced that characters who are consistently unlikeable really work.
If the music of the 90s and 00s is your thing you will particularly enjoy the songs performed by Noel Sullivan from Hear’Say and Lee Brennan from 911, in the roles of Dandini and Prince Charming.
The dance routines are slick and professional, with teams of younger dancers supporting the professionals. The sets and the light shows are excellent, and the costumes dazzlingly good.
A highlight is a frantic and inventive variation on the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song, during which the audience get involved and – if they are near the front – wet.
Central to the show is Mike McClean, who has appeared on the Regent stage for… I didn’t catch exactly how many years, he only mentioned it a few times. He plays Buttons with energy, humour and occasional poignancy, and his song lyrics routine was particularly enjoyable. He skilfully handled the potentially tricky interviews with the kids on stage at the end, joined on opening night by the Mayor of Ipswich.
It’s a spectacular and glamorous production of a much-loved pantomime, featuring familiar characters, comedy, and first-rate music and dance.
Cinderella is at Ipswich Regent Theatre until 31 December 2025.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE