THE stars of this year’s Venue Cymru pantomime may have earned their stripes in TV competitions, but there is no contest when it comes to them offering festive fun.
Strictly Come Dancing AJ Pritchard and his brother and Love Island contestant Curtis Pritchard shone alongside local Britain’s Got Talent finalists Han and Fran in this action-packed adaptation of the classic fairytale Cinderella.
The aforementioned AJ Pritchard was fantastic as the frustrated Prince Charming, keen to mingle with ‘real’ people in the hope of meeting his beloved.
His effortless dance moves helped propel this panto to another level.
His brother Curtis, playing the role of Dandini, boasted equally impressive footwork together with genuine comic timing and superb slapstick skills as demonstrated in the traditional; 12-days of Christmas routine, based on a Shein delivery.
This had the audience in stiches, due to an almighty slip up which this reviewer dearly wishes wouldn’t inevitably get ironed out later in the run.
Llandudno’s very own Han and Fran were sensational, as the show’s Millennial Mean Girls, Britney and Whitney Bardashian.
These ugly sisters, may have treated us to a series of on-point Abba cover versions, including an hilarious parody of the hit song Fernando, entitled Nando’s in tribute to the popular Afro-Portuguese restaurant chain, but remained laser focussed on swapping Hard-up Hall for a Cheshire townhouse by attracting the Prince.
The ‘TikTok Terrors’ attempts to bully and browbeat Cinderella into submission may have been brutal at times but were often hysterical, especially when their plans came undone.
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Corrine Cherish was delightful as Cinderella and accomplished her task of quickly winning over the audience in the face of constant abuse from her tyrannical step-sisters.
The best pantos of course feature actors that serve as the backbone, and heart and soul of such shows, helping dictate its pace while helping keep the laughs coming.
And John Evans as Buttons and Simon Nehan as Dame Polly Penrhyn were among the best.
Seasoned comedian Evans, along with funnyman Nehan, could be relied upon for a laugh-out-loud gag, quip and withering putdown.
The likes of Conwy County Borough Council, the Welsh Government-backed 20mph speed limits and even Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – the former Duke of York could not escape their wrath.
Two segments that stood out were their tongue-twisting tales of Bedfordshire bullocks from a prize breeder in Bala, and the riotous skipping song lyric/miming routine which Peter Kay would be proud of.
Special mention must also go to the show’s choreographer, musical arranger and set designers as the carriage transformation scene left many young audience members astonished.
This was only one moment from a great many that makes this production a must-see this festive season.
You are guaranteed to have a ball at Imagine Theatre and Venue Cymru’s production of Cinderella, on until January 3.
Go see it if you can.
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