Cinderella - Mayflower Pantomime 2021

Cinderella is up there as one of my favourite pantomimes. It's one of those timeless tales that brings together humour, magic, and a happy ending all before the stroke of midnight. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton have decided that Cinders shall go to the ball this year as it takes to their stage for their annual pantomime. With magic, mayhem and strictly brilliant dancing promised, we were excited to see what was in store for us. And boy did it not disappoint!


The show follows Cinderella, a young woman that's down on her luck and stuck with her gruesome step sisters and even more ghastly stepmother. With her only friend Buttons by her side, she dreams of something more. Desperate for a better life, and the chance to fall in love, she happens upon a young man who appears to be the Prince's right hand man. And after an invitation for the Prince's ball arrives for her, she must fight against the clock (in more ways than one) to meet her Prince Charming. 

Filled with brilliant twists and adaptions of classic musical hits, there's more than enough music to get everyone dancing in their seats! Not to mention the copious amounts of jokes, from local references, to adult humour and enough fart jokes to make the kids cry with laughter; it was a hit for the whole family. And I haven't even mentioned the costumes, staging, and MAGIC! Yes you read that right, magic. From people disappearing, to things appearing before your very eyes, this show was filled with magic tricks that left the whole audience gasping. It truly was a marvel to watch. 

With a star studded cast we were ready and waiting to be wowed, and we sure were. Debbie McGee brought practically perfect poise with her rendition of the magical Fairy Godmother, allowing Cinders to head to the ball. Richard Cadwell and Sooty brought a wave of nostalgia for grown ups, and brought magic and friendly comedy for the kids (big and small) to love. And the enigmatic Craig Revel Horwood blew audiences away with his take on the evil stepmother; dancing his way across the stage with the wicked Strictly flair we all know and love. To complete the show I have to commend Georgia Carr who truly embodied the Princess Cinderella with her beautiful vocals and wonderfully caring stage presence. 

Cinderella was a pantomime that was a level above anything we had seen for a long time. It felt like we had been transported into a West End stage and had a production value that was second to none. From flying carriages, to dancing pumpkins, there was something for everyone in this show. It was the perfect blend of audience participation, family friendly moments, and heartwarming festive fun. It truly felt like the theatre was alive and buzzing with excitement. In the words of the Strictly king himself; it was fab-u-lous and a must watch this Christmas.  

If you're looking for a panto to watch on the south coast, then the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton is the place to go. On stage until 2nd Jan 2022, you best catch it before the stroke of midnight!


*Note: tickets were gifted but all opinions were my own. 

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