BWW Reviews: CINDERELLA, Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, December 18 2014
The annual pantomime in Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium is the biggest in the UK. For 2014 they have scrapped the 3D gimmick and done away with the video screens and glasses. However, the production values seem higher than ever and Cinderella is quite the spectacle!
Leading man John Barrowman is playing the role of Buttons this year with Jimmy Krankie as his wee brother "Zip". Buttons has fallen in love with Cinderella (although Barrowman points out the unlikelihood of this scenario) while Cinderella attempts to defy her stepsisters wishes and go to the ball to meet the prince. The usual storyline unfolds accompanied by chart hits, slapstick comedy and oh so much glitter.
The sets and costumes are nothing short of incredible. Teamed with the slick song and dance routines there are points where you could be forgiven for thinking you had walked into a West End musical instead of a pantomime. Well, that is until the next time The Krankies invade the stage.. The image of Wee Jimmy Krankie performing Wrecking Ball is something that I don't think will leave my mind no matter how hard I try.
Everything about this pantomime is delightfully over the top, just the way as a pantomime should be. The special effects really are amazing and the closing of Act 1 could rival Defying Gravity any day. The usual panto comedy hasn't suffered due to all the glitz and there is plenty of silliness to enjoy. While some of the jokes have been used in previous years there is a lot of new material, current affairs and improvised humour. The 12 Days Of Christmas scene descended into an absolute shambles due to cast pranks and the Fairy Godmother falling over in her heels but it is this kind of comedy that the audience loved the most!
This is Barrowman's fifth and final year at the Clyde Auditorium and I'm at a loss for 2015. It just won't be Christmas for me without a John Barrowman panto!
Cinderella runs at the Clyde Auditorium until January 4th.
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