Members of the Cinderella cast, from left: Anthony Brand as The Baron, Clair Soul as a villager, Tim Mawson as Gorgan, an Ugly Stepsister, and Richard Davies as Dandin

REVIEW: Cinderella, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. How refreshing it was to attend the latest offering from LADS. The performance was polished and, in parts, better than the professional panto we had been to see a month previously.

Congratulations to Daniella Martell-Marston (Cinderella) and David Bufton (Prince Charming) for showing off their dancing skills as well as remembering lengthy dialogue.

Richard Davies, the handsome Dandini and the very evil French stepmother Voluptua played by Julie Waring stood out particularly, giving strong, quality performances.

The Ugly Sisters (Tim Mawson and Wayne Swann) had a good rapport with the audience and didn’t fall into the trap of overacting as dames. 

Jonathon Ormond’s highly pitched Major Domo not only made the audience laugh but also wondering what he had down his trousers! However it was the endearing Dave Peterson (Buttons) who stole the show. His sense of timing, pace of delivery and facial expressions was excellent. 

The INSTEPS dance troupe demons attacking Cinderella at midnight gave good dramatic effect. 

My only reservation is the length of the pantomime –  little too long perhaps for young children to sit through. But the amount of time and dedication put into this production is to be commended.

Bev Jenkins