Panto's back at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre, and our favourite “pals” are bringing a fresh take on Cinderella, packed with all the magic and laughs you'd expect for the festive period.
Allan Stewart is his usual cheeky self as Faerie May, bringing his signature sass and hardly ever leaving the stage. While there are plenty of familiar jokes and routines, the crowd is still cracking up throughout. Allan has become a Christmas staple in Edinburgh, and his Dame is basically iconic - audiences can’t get enough. Grant Stott is back in drag as Baroness Hibernia Fortuna, another villainess the crowd loves to boo. While his material is solid gold, you can’t help but feel like there’s more potential for Hibernia to really shine this year. Clare Gray as Vindicta Fortuna and Gail Watson as Manipulata Fortuna bring some fierce evil sister energy, but they don’t get as much stage time. Still, their version of ‘It’s Raining Men’, turned into a tribute to Fort Kinnaird, is a hilarious highlight. Jordan Young absolutely kills it as Buttons. His boundless energy and silly antics make him a hit with everyone, and his chemistry with Grant and Allan adds so much to the comedy. He’s also not afraid to dive into the more physical routines, making him a standout.
Amber Sylvia Edwards plays Cinderella as a modern woman with more strength than usual, and her stunning vocals during her performance of Queen’s Somebody to Love really steals the show. Alongside her, Will Callan is the perfect Prince Charming, bringing a sweet, genuine energy to the role. Iain Stewart Robertson also shines as Baron Hardup, providing a warm parental presence to Cinderella’s character and adding some heart to the show.
The script, written by Harry Michaels and Allan Stewart, with extra bits from Grant Stott and Matt Slack, isn’t so much about the story as it is about the laughs. There’s a lot of humour-packed sketches and jokes that keep the pace going, with the audience getting in on some of the funniest moments.
The panto is a visual spectacle with vibrant sets. stunning lighting, and gorgeous costumes. The show is a total feast, and it definitely delivers the wow factor for all ages.
Music-wise, Andy Pickering has put together some catchy tracks, with hilarious rewrites that will have you humming as you leave the theatre.
Cinderella is an absolute blast, trading the usual narrative for over two hours of non-stop comedy and spectacle.
Running time: 2hr 25mins including one interval
Location: Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson St, EH8 9FT
Dates: Saturday 23 November – Sunday 31 December 2024
Times: Tuesday - Saturday 2pm and 7pm; Sunday 1pm and 5pm
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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📸 Production Images - Douglas Robertson