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Panto time kicks off in Telford – Cinderella will go to the ball.
01 Jan 2014
by Kirsty Smallman

wpid-20120924_112235Christmas officially arrived for me today as the first panto performance of the season kicked off at The Place in Oakengates, Telford.

As a family with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a 20-month-old, we joined hundreds of schoolchildren from across the county to watch Cinderella.

With flamboyant costumes and a show packed full of quality singing and dancing including a special song named the “Happy land of Telford!” the excited children were taken on Cinderella’s journey with 21st Century twists including mentions of i-phone 5′s, X Factor, reality tv shows and chart topping songs.

Of course no panto would be complete without the water guns to get us all in the mood for mayhem!

With some fantastic humour from Cinderella’s hilarious ugly step-sisters Wicked Wander and Ravishing Rita (who must be exhausted after changing their huge costumes up to 20 times throughout the show) the youngsters clearly had a great time – and they weren’t the only ones – parents, teachers and grandparents had a fantastic time too (and could often be heard sniggering at the gags aimed at the more mature members of the audience!)

With quality dancing from talented youngsters from local dance schools and of course Telford’s own star Lucy Pollard as Cinderella it is a first class production which can be enjoyed by all generations.

The second half was my favourite as Strictly Come Dancing’s Camilla Dallerup who played the Fairy Godmother gave a very special dancing performance while Cinderella and Prince Charming belted out yet another note perfect song.

Whilst those Strictly fans also enjoyed an appearance from “Brucie” before a dancing and singing treat from “Tina Turner” and “Lady Gaga” – all with a little difference of course.

And we all enjoyed the traditional happy ending of Cinderella which left everyone leaving the theatre with a smile on their face and all ready for the joys of the festive season ahead.

A fantastic show which boasts talented stars from the television screens but also our own town and a production of this standard is something to be proud of – and what’s more it’s right on our doorstep.

Don’t miss out – book your tickets today.

Call the box office on 01952 382 382 or visit www.theplacetelford.com Prices start from £7.50 and the show runs until December 31.