Welcome back to Brighton’s long-standing alternative pantomime, with a fizzing, high-octane, raucous and filthily funny re-imagining of the Cinderella story.
Boasting four top-line drag artists and high-class singing soloists, this show is a joy, going back to basics and the traditional look and feel of the pantomime genre.
We’re in Brightonville, where we the audience are the villagers and we’re called upon numerous times to join in the fun. With a death-defying feat of imaginative casting, the brilliant Jason Sutton (aka Miss Jason) is our teenage virgin Cinders, looking for love.
And he comes along of course in the form of high tenor Jason Lee, though Duke’s Mound may not be the best choice of a courting place. Jason, as the Duke of Sussex, has his trusty companion to rely on – played with camp relish by another great vocalist – Allan Jay.
And of course there are the usual obstacles – the formidably evil Baroness Birdcage (Wain Douglas, aka Kara Van Park), whose moment in the spotlight comes at the Royal Pavilion Ball with a rip-roaring rendtion of When You’re Good To Mama.
There’s more drag royalty as the step-sisters – Sandra and Baroness Mary Golds – get the best of the frocks and constantly interact with somewhat surprised audience members.
Billie Gold is a shimmering, smiling Fairy Gold, pitch perfect in vocals and beautifully eloquent in her rhyming couplets. And Alfie Ordinary is the crowd pleaser as Butters, full of energy, laughs and inclusiveness. Luke Nunn and Rowan Newsome leap and spin as two very agile and delightful dancers, and oh the joy of a live band – Shaz D and Thomas Earl.
Paul Lawrence directs his own script and he and choreographer Joey Bethell fill the small stage with constant movement, clever action, and there’s even a revolve!
Producer Allan Cardew has brought back a much-loved friend and he and the creative team have given us West End production values – no mean feat! And they’ll be back next year with Jack and the Beanstalk – you can even book now.
Cinderella Re-mixed is at Ironworks Studios, Brighton until January 28, tickets HERE.
