Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolute staple of the Everyman’s calendar and a festive tradition for families across the region, Liverpool’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back and it’s more fabulous than ever.

This sparkling retelling of the classic Cinderella story, written by Luke Barnes, is brought to brilliant life by a highly talented group of actor musicians who sing, dance, act and play their way through this joyous production.

Dame Fairy Godmother (Ben Welch) opens the show in tremendous style, making it clear from the off that we’re in for a whole heap of fun, Beyoncé eat your heart out! With DFG announcing their plans for retirement following one last love match, trainee Graham (Adam Keast) is introduced allowing this tremendous twosome to set about ensuring Ellanora (Grace Venus) gets the happy ending she deserves.

Of course, where there’s Cinderella there’s always a pair of undesirable stepsiblings and their even more insufferable parent, and this story is no different with the Ooglay’s throwing a spanner in the works as the villains of the piece. Mr Ooglay (Zoe West) is desperate for his children Judi Ooglay (Rebecca Levy) and Dench Ooglay (Folarin Akinmade) to marry rich, and as if by magic a ball at the palace might just offer the perfect opportunity.

This is a Cinderella for today as we soon realise our heroine has so much more about her than just waiting by the ashes for her Prince Charming to come along. Ellanora just needs a little help from a few friends in order to realise what will truly make her happy. And what better way to do that than via brilliant bops, beltin’ bangers and a whole heap of belly laughs along the way.

This superb ensemble production has something for everyone. There’s your usual cheeky panto innuendo, glittering gowns, hilarious local references, and great gags but in addition there’s a whole heap of heart, proud inclusivity, and a true message of self-belief.

Ben Welch is superb as Dame Fairy Godmother; he skilfully pushes the narrative along and is a born entertainer. He gifts us with powerhouse vocals and superb comic timing. His pairing with Adam Keast as Graham is perfect, the two bounce off each other brilliantly taking the audience along with them for this wonderful ride.

Grace Venus is excellent as Ellanora, showing vulnerability as well as relatability while letting the audience know it’s ok to be different and choose your own path in life.

The Ooglay’s are the perfect panto baddies, with special mention going to Zoe West who delights in whipping the audience up into a booing frenzy. Their trip to Rumpleskims and resulting fashion show is an inspired highlight.

Aminita Francis gives us stunning vocals as The Queen, hosting the most incredible vogue ball where the category no doubt is FAB-U-LOUS, while Thomas Fabian Parrish as a Prince Charming who’d prefer to be reading his Superman comic is an absolute hoot.

Panto has long offered the perfect opportunity for friends and families to collectively experience live theatre in a relaxed and accessible way, seeing such an inclusive story told here with such joy and honesty will be a magical memory for so many this Christmas. Director James Baker has ensured there’s opportunities to laugh, sing, dance and truly celebrate love in all its forms.

The song choices are genius, the costumes incredible, while the talent on stage give their all to make sure each and every audience member goes away feeling uplifted and thoroughly entertained. A special shoutout must also go to BSL interpreter June who was perfection as well as audience member Brian who stole everyone’s hearts.

This Rock ‘n’ Roll panto will illuminate your festive season, warm your heart, and give you magical memories to treasure. Pure joy.

The Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Cinderella is on at The Everyman until here.