THE latest community news from Barmouth

Theatre Critique

WEDNESDAY, 15 August, saw the penultimate performance of Springfield Street Productions performance of Cinderella by Ed Penney at the Dragon Theatre Barmouth.

Unusually, a summer pantomime seems, well, not quite the done thing. But five sell-out performances tell a different story.

The show opens to a cheerful number performed by the company. Action takes the show into a flying start with the traditional Cinderella characters appearing throughout this previously performed Ed Penney script. This time though, with a very young cast.

Buttons appears as the hapless, love lust butler he always was, and portrayed with empathy by first timer Catlin Williams.

Who wouldn’t recognise those dulcet tones of none other than Ed Penney himself as Baron Hardup? There followed the silly duo Les Scarper and Mick ap Huw, ably performed by Brogan May Nuttall and Debbie Rowlands. Here again, the young and the experienced perform in harmony.

Then Dandini. Well. This young man clearly loved his performance. And the audience loved him right back.

Isaac Stone-Williams as Prince Charming brought fun and sparkle to the stage and Bailie Jayde Pitcher as Cinderella, stole the audience’s hearts.

Ugly sisters Cruella Morticia, played by musical director Ashley Mason and Belladonna Narcissa, by wardrobe mistress Cheryl Rendell were the comedians. Ashley played to the audience, taking the mick out of members of the audience as the opportunity arose.

A pantomime is never a pantomime without a scary gorilla or a ghost. Cinderella has both, and both parts convincingly played by little Harri Evans, who also was part of the company with the youngest cast member, Layla Stone-Williams at just six years old.

The fairy godmother, Donna Morris, brought her vocal experience to the show and also assisted the other singers as vocal coach.

It is wonderful that our dear little Dragon Theatre in Barmouth can claim five sell-out performances. It has to be noted however, that the theatre could really do with some investment on stage lights and sound equipment. We are told that Venue Cymru has benefitted from a £3.5m injection to refurbish now. So go and ask if they have any equipment they don’t need anymore. I’ll volunteer if no one else will.

On lights were Cerys Rose Jackson and Dan Peed. Sound was by Malcolm Murgatroyd and Gareth Farrer, whom is wished a speedy recovery and Paul Rendell who stepped in at the very last minute. Prompting attempts from the wings came from Beti Evans.

The feeling and atmosphere was wonderful. With so many young and inexperienced members, the show was worthy of the sell-out support.

Proceeds are donated to Williams Syndrome and St David’s Hospice.

by David Andrew

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]