Lyric Hammersmith’s panto, Cinderella, brings the rags-to-riches story into the 21st century via Shepherd’s Bush Market.
Tilly La Belle Yengo’s Cinders is effortless and fun, as she tries to flog rodent knitwear at her market stall, pay rent to her stepmum, and post good pictures on Instagram. She’s the ‘boss lady’ Cinders you didn’t know you needed.
Relevant references to the housing crisis, cost of living and Ulez bring Vikki Stone’s version of the panto into the present day. Tonderai Munyevu’s production is never preachy and pulls some classic punches with a fizzy sense of humour. It’s not quite belly laugh funny, but it’s a brilliant fusion of design and performance.
The tight cast of nine achieves what many larger pantomime troupes struggle with; the stage is always full of fun. The Beatles’ band of hippie rodents are one of the more original elements of this show. Multi-rolling Jodie Jacobs as Minty and Fairy is stellar and Charlie Cameron’s Muffy makes an excellent rah. Damien James as Prince Henry might not have the best voice in the world, but his lovable performance means the audience is always on side.
Fed up with speed-dating princesses, Price Henry wants to meet an ordinary girl. When he heads off to Shepherd’s Bush market to meet a match he adorns himself with a bush to blend in, not realising there are no real bushes at the market.
Fate puts Cinders in his path and she shows the Price around the market, surrounded by surreal presentations of fairytale characters. This is an independently-minded Cinders and their match is a genuine connection, rather than love at first sight.
Emmanuel Akwafo’s evil stepmother, Lady Jelly-Bottom, is both villain and dame, with sorely entertaining interactions with the audience. A performance of Cher’s ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ marks Jelly-Bottom’s change of heart. While this sudden redemption means there’s no good villain to boo, Akwafo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race-worthy performance (with amazing costumes to boot) makes up for the confusing character arc.
Jelly-Bottom’s change of heart, like much of the plot, will puzzle you if you think about it too much, but who goes to the panto for logic?
A poptastic score ranges from Taylor Swift to Cat Burns and Sam Smith to Destiny’s Child. Sparky choreography from Ariella Smith ties the production together with a few well-timed twirks. The bubbly atmosphere is matched by design from Good Teeth studio who have created a colour-popping marbled set of childhood dreams.
Too often pantos are vehicles for outdated gender stereotypes and insensitive jokes. This Cinderella, however, is a great night out and you won’t be offended. Riotous and joyful, this version of the nation’s favourite theatrical tradition is a fun and fresh show for all the family to enjoy.
Cinderella is at the Lyric Hammersmith until 6th January 2023
