Gareth Gates turns on the Charm at New Wimbledon Theatre (From Croydon Guardian)

Gareth Gates turns on the Charm at New Wimbledon Theatre

8:30am Sunday 28th December 2008

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There is something a little curious about going to a panto and not hearing the infamous yells of, “He’s behind you!” or the age-old exchange, “Oh no it isn’t... Oh yes it is”.

But this panto is no stickler for tradition – and that’s not a bad thing.

Suzie McKenna’s script provides a riot of contemporary jokes, drawing on the credit crunch to the X Factor, and, of course, gives vocal chameleon Alistair McGowan (Baron Hardup) the opportunity to fire into his rip-roaring repertoire of impressions, which include Dot Branning and David Beckham.

There are plenty of surprises in this playful production. The Fairy Godmother (Louise Dearman) sets her sights on being Mrs Baron Hardup and, in a shock twist, before Cinderella (played by the delightful Joanna Page of TV’s Gavin and Stacey fame) can see if the glass slipper fits, it gets smashed!

Fret not, this paves the way for some audience interaction as everyone is urged to search for the other missing slipper.

These strokes of genius are coupled with some great tunes, with former Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates starring as Prince Charming – who better to lead the audience into a sing-a-long to Spirit In The Sky?

But with the nation currently experiencing X Factor fever, the jewel in the crown has to be Gate’s rendition of Mariah Carey’s song Hero – fittingly a firm favorite with talent show contestants.

Graham Hordley and Andrew Ryan’s renditions of Ugly Sisters Lavinia and Lucinda(better known as toilet-humoured Lav and Lu) are freakishly fabulous.

It is not just the performances that sparkle, the costumes and stage are adorned with lashings of glorious glitter – an uplifting sight in these penny-pinching times. Plus, the pumpkin carriage is drawn by adorable Shetland ponies!

To sum up, as Joanna Page’s Cinderella would cry in her honey-toned Welsh accent: “It’s lush!”

Cinderella, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, Wimbledon, until January 18. Call 0870 060 6646 or visit theambassadors. com/newwimbledon for more information.

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