Cinderella adapted by Eric Potts.

The pantomime season for 2024 is now well underway. Most Theatres up and down the country are hosting a festive production for all the family. Fareham Live recently reopened this year and the all-sparkling glitzy production of Cinderella offers a wonderful seasonal family treat.

The storyline sticks to the traditional fairytale of Cinderella. Where Buttons played Paul Burling is the BFF of Cinderella (Rhiannon Bacchus) who loyally stands by her side through thick and thin. While her Fairy Godmother played by Eleanor Wainwright makes sure everything goes to plan and Cinderella makes it to the ball.

Prince Charming and Dandini are played by celebrity brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard. AJ is well known for his performances in Strictly Come Dancing and Curtis from Love Island. References to these shows are made throughout the Pantomime and are warmly received by the audience. The siblings have a great rapport on stage.

Curtis plays an integral role in the Twelve Days of Christmas song scene. With the antics that take place, I find it hard to believe it has been strictly choreographed as anything could happen next. The funniest part of the Pantomime.

The stars of the Pantomime for me are the gorgeous Ugly Sisters, Euphemia (Gareth Mitchell) and Lavinia (Garnon Davies) every entrance they made raised “boos” from the audience which they relished. Each costume change brought a new elaborate outfit to the stage. A couple of the headdresses worn looked very precarious at times.

Burling in the role of Buttons brings his impersonating act to the stage. Listen out to see who else joins the cast throughout the performance.

The wonderful array of costumes worn by the entire cast has been created by the entire wardrobe and costumes team.

Writer Etic Potts brings in local references and a bit of rivalry along with the mention of Love Island and other shows connected with the cast to keep the script relevant to the local audience.

Director Bryan Hodgson and choreographer Mitchell Harper have set a high bar this year with Cinderella for future productions to live up to.

For more information about Cinderella and future productions at Fareham Live, please check out the link below.

Four Stars.