Cinderella Full Of Festive Fun

We were drawn into the joy of this year’s Grand Opera House panto, Cinderella, by a fizzing Fairy Godmother (played with great enthusiasm by Lisa George) setting the scene with her prologue in rhyme and clearly having a good time connecting with the audience.

Hot on her heels was cheery chappie Buttons.  He instructed everyone to shout “Hi Buttons!” every time he appeared, and my two young grandchildren, along with all the other youngsters and those young-at-heart members of the audience, were only too happy to oblige – the magic of live panto had begun – “oh yes it had!”  Jimmy Bryant was brilliant as Buttons, connecting warmly with the crowd, obviously very much in his comfort zone as a comic. 

The orchestra, directed by Rob Bannon on keyboards, was excellent and spot on too, with many fun special effects working closely with the cast; the running whinnying-like-a-horse gag with nice but dim Prince Charming was really funny, and Tobias Turley showed his sense of fun and mischief in the role, as well as charming us with his singing skills. Bradley Judge did a great job as Dandini, his loyal servant.

Rachel Grundy was a sweet Cinders and came into her own when she sang, having her own ‘Golden’ moment that went down a storm. 

The Ensemble dancers were wonderful, with fabulous choreography by Xena Gusthart and delightful dancing from the children from Dance Expression School of Dance and Lisa Marie Performing Arts.

Directed by Ellis Kerkhoven and written by Jon Monie, this was a traditional panto, with two wonderfully scathing Ugly Sisters played to perfection by Luke Attwood (Melody Hard-Up) and Brandon Nicholson (Harmony Hard-Up). Lots of double entendres which hopefully went over the heads of the young members of the audience – a bit of saucy fun. Oh, what a Carry On.  

The singing and dancing throughout the panto was a joy, and the costumes were wonderfully colourful and creative; it was great fun anticipating what the gruesome twosome (aka the Ugly Sisters) would rock up on stage next—I just loved that Big Mac and Fries combo! Who could blame Baron Hard-Up (Karl Moffatt) for avoiding the dastardly duo as much as possible? The Ugly Sister’s wig falling off unexpectedly all added to the atmosphere of chaos and fun.

 This pantomime was full of festive fun, from a wonderful 'aww' moment at the end of Act One to a fab finale that featured (I have on good authority from my grandchildren, Pink Pony Club), without a doubt.

Cinderella is on at Grand Opera House York, until Sunday 4th January 2026