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Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society Barrington Theatre Ferndown February 2003 But, thanks to the ingenuity and inventiveness of talented director Sarah Vandervelde and Sophie Burghart’s excellent choreography, the risk pays off handsomely in this enjoyable production. The plot, essentially the Cinderella story, keeps even the tinies enthralled, musical numbers are easy on the ear, the chorus is well disciplined and everyone is beautifully costumed. Most importantly, there are some lovely performances in the principal line-up. Sharron Pearcy is an appealing, moving and charmingly vulnerable Cinderella and a lovely contrast to the delightfully evil Stepmother (Madeleine Horne) and her selfish daughters Isobella (Gemma Stevens) and Palatine ( Louise Bellamy). Thank goodness for the Prince (a fine Simon Dade) that the slipper fitted the right girl. The Fairy Godmother (Janet Barrow) is well characterised and her magic works a treat, although it cannot be seen too clearly in the non- raked auditorium. Roy Birch’s Lord Chamberlain is also superbly played, and Sam Richardson’s personality-filled Duke of Montague is a performance to treasure and comes close to stealing the show. So who needs Austria? Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo |
