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Michael Cox reviews 'a good, safe night out'.
I suppose there’s no generous way to say this: the last few pantos at the Glasgow Kings have been rather poor. There have been many reasons that this might be the case—perhaps principally the unfortunate loss of the much-loved Gerard Kelly.
So it is a pleasure to report that this year’s panto, the seasonal favourite Cinderella, works rather finely. This fact is in truth both its strength and weakness.
Writer Eric Potts gives us a recognisable Cinderella: a young woman with a heart of gold, a charming prince and two vile stepsisters are all present and accounted for. And director Morag Fullarton has staged a slick and fun production that’s consistently enjoyable.
Top billed Gregor Fisher, along with Rab C Nesbitt partner in crime Tony Roper, get most of the laughs as the stepsisters. Their history is easy to see on stage: they make a great double act, complimenting each other well and working together to shake as many laughs as possible. And Des Clarke, relishing his role as the ever-faithful Buttons, is relaxing rather nicely into his annual role as the production’s clown/cheerleader. The rest of the company all serve their roles well and shine in individual moments.
But that is it. There is little flare or standout creativity to be found; everything is perfectly functional and serves its purpose: the music, the design, the choreography and the performances. So, those looking for a good, safe night out will find little to be disappointed in, where those looking for more depth will only find shallow waters.
Cinderella performs at the Kings in Glasgow until January 8, 2017.
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