Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Peers Productions returns to Warrington’s Parr Hall this month with this year’s Panto offering, a sparkling spin on the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Combining traditional panto elements with wonderful modern touches this is a production all the family will undoubtedly enjoy.

The show tells the tale of Cinderella, who, despite being bossed around by her horrid stepsisters, lives a happy and hopeful life with the help of her loyal friend Buttons. With a yearning to meet the man of her dreams never too far from her thoughts she luckily meets a fabulous Fairy Godmother (TV’s Anne Hegarty) and a happy ending is hopefully in sight.

This entertaining production is well tailored for young audiences, there’s lots of gentle humour, a sprinkling of magic and plenty of brilliant bops woven perfectly into the familiar narrative. While the traditional sets are simple the glittering costumes and intricate choreography superbly delivered by local youth dancers from Felicia Burns School of Dance really ramp up the visuals in this super fun show.

The cast are clearly having a ball onstage with standout performance coming from the Ugly Sisters, played by Philip Meeks and Matt McInnes who provide laughs a plenty and that all important audience interaction. Buttons, played by Daniel Dean packs in the comedy with his much-loved silliness while The Chase’s very own Governess, Anne Hegerty really gets into the spirit of things delighting us all with superb vocals and great comedic timing.

There’s so much to enjoy about this production from the witty script to the vibrant costumes (shoutout to the Ugly Stepsisters and their epic costume changes). There’s plenty of innocent fun for the kids and just the right amount of innuendo for the adults. The localised references in the script allow the cast to really connect with the audience while the physical humour ensures the laughs keep on coming. It’s always wonderful to see families experiencing live theatre together and this show will guarantee magical memories for years to come.

Cinderella runs until Sunday January 12th, with concessions and family tickets available. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Accessible Performances 

Relaxed/Dementia Friendly performance – Saturday 11^th January @ 9.45am – Created for people with special educational needs, this performance uses lower volumes for sound effects and fewer flashing lights. Special effects will also be reduced, so pyrotechnics and strobe lighting will not be used. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Signed performance – Sunday 12th January @ 11am – This performance will feature a British Sign Language interpreter who will stand to one side of the stage to translate the script as it is being performed. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Special Offers

Family – Buy 2 adult and 2 child tickets for just £43 (plus fees)

10th Ticket Free – Buy 9 or more tickets and get your 10th ticket free

Seniors BOGOF – Buy one senior citizen ticket and get one free (max 4 free tickets per customer) – Tuesday 7th Jan @ 1.30pm only