Having sat through a couple of local child-focused pantomimes in the last few years, I’ve never considered them one of my favourite Christmas activities. If anything, it’s been the opposite, borderline torture. But I truly can’t put into words how phenomenal the Cinderella pantomime at the New Theatre in Cardiff is.
Hilarious, perfectly timed, stunning sets and costumes and jaw-dropping magical surprises, there was something to satisfy everyone.
Fronted by Gethin Jones as Prince Charming, Owain Wyn Evans as his sidekick Dandini and Mike Doyle as the evil step mother, the trio delivered hilarious quips throughout the evening.
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Among the many references to the One Show, and his 2007 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Gethin delivered a hilarious cheeky one-liner about how “half the people in here think I’m Steve jones”. Of course most fans TV fans can distinguish the two Welsh presenters apart, but they often get mixed up among viewers for their shared surname and similar looks.
Jack Ryan and Owain Wyn Evans had brilliant chemistry -Credit:Cinderella/New Theatre
In true panto style, Gethin wasn’t the only one to make a reference of his life outside the panto. Former weather man Owain Wyn Evans joked that he needed to stop talking about the weather, and at one point said “if only I knew a drummer.”
There was also a fabulous Strictly style dance off, the writers really did a brilliant job of dropping in funny little references for the audience to enjoy. Outside of the celebrity starrings in the panto, a stand out cast member was the beloved Buttons, played by comedian Jack Ryan .
In true Cinderella panto style, Buttons played the joker of the cast and delivered some of the most hilarious moments of the show. He stood out just as much as the celeb castings did.
The adult humour was incredibly clever at satisfying those older in the audience while going over the heads of those too young to understand. It was the perfect combination of naughty jokes and ones that kids could enjoy – especially the tongue twister back and forth, an impressive display of talent from Mike Doyle, Jack Ryan and Owain.
The jokes were silly and borderline offensive at times but brilliantly delivered and connected to the local audience which makes you feel truly involved and valued as a viewer.
The fabulous cast of Cinderella -Credit:Cinderella/New Theatre
My five-year-old niece was absolutely mesmerised by the fairy godmother and Cinderella, and absolutely adored the magical moment in the show featuring the princess carriage. I won’t spoil it – but even I was floored by the amazing special FX that made that part possible. It really puts this panto in the next level category, knocking spots off anything you’d see in your local theatre. The production, costumes, sets and special FX made this not only the best pantomime I’ve ever seen, but one of the best theatre shows I’ve ever seen too.
If you’re looking to visit, I’d say the show is best for those over the age of five. We decided not to bring my three-year-old as it was a 7pm showing and too late for him, but I think he would have been a bit restless as a lot of the narrative would have gone over his head. However we do wish we’d convinced my eight-year-old nephew to come with us. He heard the word Cinderella and was on a firm no, but the comedy was perfect for his age, and he would have loved it, so convince your older boys that this isn’t their typical fairytale.
I’d also recommend it for a night out with your friends, I know so many of mine would appreciate the humour and overall campness of the panto. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter
The show was closed off with an amazing performance on the drums by Owain which the audience absolutely loved. Mike Doyle shared how the theatre had opened on 118 years prior to that night and had been performing Cinderella for at least 100 years of that.
On the face of it the show was a beautifully imagined retelling of Cinderella, perfect for the little ones to enjoy the songs, costumes and characters. Beyond that, it was an incredibly camp celebration of Welsh and local culture with clever quips and adult humour.
Tickets start at £24 with performances running until Sunday, January 5.