The relaxed performance (RP) of Cinderella, produced by Little Wolf Entertainment at Loughborough Town Hall was the last panto of the festive season for Poppy, who is autistic and has a learning disability and a visual impairment. She was really looking forward to it, and wasn’t disappointed.
We arrived about 15 minutes before the performance was about to start, and were quickly served by staff at the box office. The service was equally as speedy at the bar. The staff couldn’t be more helpful.
We made our way to our seats, with guidance from the ushers, and Poppy looked comfortable from the get-go. This year, we chose end of row seats and these were just perfect for us. We took time to have a look through the programme until the performance was due to start.
There was a welcome new twist to this production, which was such a simple but effective way of putting everyone at ease, and a great addition to the RP. Before the performance started, the whole cast appeared on stage and introduced themselves. This really helped Poppy with the transition from ‘real life’ to watching the show.
Before the cast introductions, Matthew Siveter, one of the Ugly Sisters, explained how the RP audience were welcome to make some noise, join in if they liked and make use of the break out rooms if they needed some time out, where they could watch the show on a screen.
He also encouraged theatregoers to let the cast know who wanted to be sprayed with water guns later on in the show by putting their hands up – giving the audience advance notice this would be happening.
During most of the performance, the lights were kept on low and the doors left open – the only time this was not the case was during the UV scenes – more about that later.
The show started and the Fairy Godmother – Davina Manuel-Mokwenye was soon singing the Dreamgirls’ ‘One Night Only’ which was perfectly choreographed with the ensemble dancers. This was a great number and Poppy loved bopping around in her seat to it.
She loved shouting B-u-t-t-o-n-s – when Harry Polden’s character appeared on stage whilst keeping an eye on Chewbarker the dog. She was fascinated with Mozzarella the Mouse – great puppetry from Ash Weir aka Dandini.
Poppy really enjoyed Ella and Prince Charming’s duet outside the palace gates “You Belong With Me”. She also loved shouting boo! every time the Wicked Stepmother Helen Bacquagaine, played by Shona Eaton, appeared on stage.
But her favourite characters were the Ugly Sisters, played by Matthew Siveter and Luke Adamson. Her best bit was the use of the huge video cam on stage to spot a willing member of the audience (during the RP one of the ushers was chosen) to join in with the fun. Poppy was giggling along with this, such a brilliant idea.
Matthew Siveter’s costumes in previous shows have never failed to disappoint but in this show you get two dames for the price of one and their costumes are just fabulous. They are all incredible creations, but when I asked Poppy which were her favourites, she thought the Post Box and Football themed ones were the best (shame Prince Charming didn’t agree!).
Talking of fabulous, the sets, including the palace and palace gates, the kitchen, the wellness centre – complete with jacuzzi and bubbles, and the palace ballroom with flickering candles are all totally inspired.
In the wellness centre, the ‘Lets Get Physical’ number with the two Ugly Sisters and the ensemble was superb, and Poppy was giggling away at the scene where the Ugly Sisters dunked Buttons in the jacuzzi.
When it was time for the UV scene, the doors were closed and the lights went out, but Poppy didn’t notice as she was too busy watching the magic happen. She was mesmerised when Ella and the Fairy Godmother sang “A Moment Like This”, and with Ella’s transformation into the blue ball gown.
The flying horse drawn carriage was truly magical to watch and Poppy could not take her eyes off it.
Another set of Poppy’s favourite costumes were the skip and recycling ones donned by the Ugly Sisters – especially when Luke Adamson managed to make his costume look like a character from Sesame Street.
A pantomime would not be the same without the ghost scene, and this one did not disappoint. With Buttons pretending to be the ghost this year, he got a taste of his own medicine when a second ghost appeared behind him – Poppy thought this was hilarious.
When it was time for Prince Charming to find out who the glass slipper belonged to, the Ugly Sisters turned up in more hilarious costumes, and Poppy couldn’t stop laughing at the long sock that went on ..forever!
The finale was just beautiful with the whole cast dancing to ‘Time After Time’ in stunning lilac and white costumes. Poppy did not want it to end.
★★★★
Cinderella is at Loughborough Town Hall until Sunday, January 4. Limited tickets are available for performances. Running time approximately 2hr 40m.
Tickets £27.00 – £29.50.
Loughborough Town Hall is taking bookings for next year’s pantomime – Dick Whittington
The relaxed performance of Dick Whittington will take place on Friday, December 11, 2026 at 6pm. Contact the Box Office on 01509 231914 for tickets
