We take a look at what is being said about the lyric Hammersmith’s 2023 pantomime…
The Guardian: *** ” Stone cleverly writes in other transformations in a show that is buoyant, playful and daft without quite delivering that delirious panto rush.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “But that’s to take nothing away from the performances, especially Tilly La Belle Yengo who makes an assured panto debut in the title role, and Emmanuel Akwafo’s buxom, twerking Dame Jelly-Bottom, who at one point invites an audience member to crack an egg on her derriere. There’s also fine support from Charlie Cameron and Meghan Treadway as the sloane ranger stepsisters, Damien James as the naive prince, and Jodie Jacobs doubling as the Fairy and leaky royal courtier Minty.”
The Telegraph: **** “Traditionally, the Lyric Hammersmith is one of our leading purveyors of panto – and this joyous production marks a return to form.”
Theatre Weekly: “Too often pantos are vehicles for outdated gender stereotypes and insensitive jokes. This Cinderella, however, is a great night out and you won’t be offended. Riotous and joyful, this version of the nation’s favourite theatrical tradition is a fun and fresh show for all the family to enjoy.”
Lost in Theatreland: *** “Script-wise, the show is entertaining enough with all the classic panto necessities, but a few skits seemed out of place. For example, there is a kidnapping scene which feels like it is just put in to allow for “It’s behind you,” rather than actually adding anything to the storyline. Even with this, Act Two is definitely stronger than Act One. It’s an enjoyable panto, but I found I was smiling more than belly laughing. It just isn’t as funny as last year.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “It is, however a pantomime with a big heart. It may not deliver the chaotic potential of a pantomime but it does send its audience out with a smile, having delivered an experience as sweet and warm as a hot chocolate.”
The Stage: *** “Quirky take on the fairytale with love, forgiveness and redemption at its heart.”
Time Out: *** “Any which way, Stone’s ‘Cinderella’ is a lot of fun, and if there are fewer gags for grown-ups there are definitely a lot of reworked ‘90s bangers to compensate. From ‘Disco 2000’ to ‘Mambo No 5’, Stone is wise to the idea that using songs beloved by millennial parents is at least as quick a way to a happy audience as doing versions of whatever it is that ten-year-olds listen to these days (though to be fair a run through ‘Antihero’ goes down well).”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: *** 1/2 “I must send a firm nod to Good Teeth, the folk behind the costumes, they were top-notch and in firm keeping with the theme of the night. Jodie Jacobs in the Fairy Godmother’s outfit was a delight to behold. There were some outstanding flashes of brilliance (audience participation but unfortunately they were flashes, it never really seemed to turn the spark into a flame. With a little fine-tuning and as the panto settles into full swing, it has the potential to set the scene for Panto in December 2023.”
To book tickets visit: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/cinderella2023/