Written by Val Prior (Cinderella script)
Directed by Val Coombs

The festive season arrived with a large helping of music and frivolity on Friday night (December 11) as the Medstead Players took to the boards to deliver their own take on Cinderella.

Using an adaptation of the script originally written by the late Val Prior, a founder member of the Players, this was a production ideally suited to a hard working group of amateurs.

There was plenty of scope for individual characters to shine, for children to dance and sing, for flamboyant costumes and outrageous make-up, but without too much pressure to learn pages of complex dialogue.

Short but sweet, this production delivered on many levels. It had all the right ingredients, with opportunities, encouraged by a bold and engaging Buttons (Jude Runnalls), for plenty of 'Oh no he didn't; oh yes he did!'

Much of the casting was spot on - no shrinking violet, Cinderella, played by the sweet voiced Emily Magennis-Prior, gave a rather more modern, opinionated take on the traditional downtrodden role; as did Fairy Godmother, Sue Millett - as the audience began to fear that it wouldn't, her magic came up trumps to produce an impressive pumpkin coach with footman and a ball gown fit for a Christmas tree fairy!

Stan Whitcher was in his element as the larger than life, outrageously becostumed, dame, Baroness Hard-up, supported in true tradition by an at times defiant but downtrodden Baron - Mike Overy.

With expectation raised by the raunchy catch line to Ernie K Doe's Here come the girls!, the two ugly sisters were immediately set up for a laugh, and they certainly delivered - loud and colourful, they were the sisters from hell!

Hortensia, played with overt flamboyance and wicked innuendo by Carol Bedingfield, and Emilia - a spoilt and lisping Sue Ovell, were the perfect foil for the delightful Cinders but no match where Prince Charming was concerned. Casting is always difficult in amateur performances but the obvious age differences were handled with humour, and none more so than by the Prince, played with panache and creaking joints by Nicki Tindale, and his faithful servant, Major Domo alias Jane Dale.

The slap stick duo, There (Paul Cox) and Here (Daniel Cox) were a hit - especially with Hortensia and Emilia!

Peter Hopwood-Hall made a smart and courteous footman but it was Dobbin (Anita Prior and Lesley Rae) who all but, ran away with the show as he cavorted through the auditorium, trying Cinderella's slipper on the feet of an unsuspecting audience!

This year's pantomime was also blessed with the added bonus of a young and many talented chorus line. Trained by Confident Kids tutor, Michelle Anderson, who also choreographed the dances, they were: Ben Anderson, Sophie Brine, Bethany Magennis-Prior, Eleanor Noble, Vivien Thirkettle, Leah Thirkettle, Neely, Josephine and Elizabeth Wren.

The cast was supported by a first class backstage and front of house crew, including stage manager, Allan Coombs, set and stage design and construction team Peter Lyons, Royd Soan and Peter Hopwood-Hall, Graham Bennell on lighting, Phil Young on sound, Marion Rogers and Anita Prior on wardrobe and make-up artist Chris Feldon.

Val Prior would, I am certain, have been proud of the production, so capably produced by Jenny Overy, who also took the role of musical director; of Helena Hunt for playing the live music; and Val Coombs for directing this special version of Cinderella.

This pantomime was delivered by kind permission of Peter Prior with all profits from the raffle and refreshments going to St Michael's Hospice as his nominated charity.
[Moira Howells]

'Here come the girls ....' and all the rest of the sparkling panto cast courtesy of another delightful Medstead Players production.

We were treated to a traditional version of a real old favourite. Buttons (Jude Runnalls) had the audience ahhhhing our sympathy for his unrequited love for the beautiful and serene Cinderella (Emily Magennis-Prior). Her hapless and hilarious sisters (Carol Bedingfield and Sue Ovell) had us laughing until we cried with their rendition of the Julie Andrews classic 'favourite things'.

All the ingredients for a thoroughly entertaining evening were there, Prince Charming (Nicki Tindale) gave a confident performance ably assisted by her Major Domo (Jane Dale). We were confused and amused by the menacing and humorous performance of Here and There (Paul and Dan Cox) and wowed by the glittering fairy godmother (Sue Millett).

The Baron and Baroness Hardup (Mike Overy and Stan Whitcher) held the storyline together and Shirley Bassey herself would surely have envied Stan's 'Big Spender' number.

Of course Dobbin (Anita Prior and Lesley Rae) made his time honoured performance and the sheer joy on the faces of the children in the audience was such a pleasure to see.

The panto lineup was completed by the hard working chorus (Ben Anderson, Sophie Brine, Bethany Magennis-Prior, Eleanor Noble, Vivien Thirkettle, Leah Thirkettle, Neely Wren, Josephine Wren and Elizabeth Wren) who danced and sang enchantingly in numerous scenes, lovely choreography especially in the ballroom scene thanks to Michelle Anderson.

Mention must be made of the amazing costumes, Marion Rogers and Anita Prior have made a stunning job of the many gorgeous outfits, and Cinderella's coach was a work of art, (complete with footman Peter Hopwood-Hall) well done to Peter Lyons and Royd Soan for this. The entire evening was a triumph that Director Val Coombs and Producer Jenny Overy must be justly proud of.

Finally this review cannot end without thanking the unsung back stage heroes whose work is so important to the success of every production, well done to the stage manager, set designers and decor, lighting and sound, make up, front of house, box office and raffle organisers, all of whom are just as important in ensuring the smooth production of the show.

I'm sure all those who were lucky enough to get tickets will agree this was a perfect Panto full of fun and will, like me, be looking forward to the next one.
[Sue Graham]

'Absolutely Fabulous' was the verdict of the Treloar's students who were invited to the Medstead Players' panto. Those who were chosen to try on the slipper were so disappointed that they did not go home with a prince.

The set was inviting and a realistic fire for poor Cinders, along with her horrible family kept her hard at work from dawn till dusk.

The chorus of children sang and danced beautifully, showing new talent on its way for the future. A special mention must go the young boy Ben Anderson who showed particular talent. The choreography was simple but very effective and well executed and their costumes beautiful.

Mike Overy as Baron Hardup was suitably meek and mouse like. Partnered by Stan Whitcher as the Dame, who was vile to all she met, bad mannered and dressed in gaudy colours befitting a carnival. Every man in the audience was suitable scared as she sang 'Big Spender'.

Sue Ovell and Carol Bedingfield did a brilliant double act as the two 'Uglys' who were just as vile, loud and desperate for a man as their mother and tried it on with anything in trousers. They kept the audience chortling.

Dan and Paul Cox showed just how talented they were as 'Here' and 'There'. It is a pity we did not see more of this capable and gifted duo.

Nicky Tindale made an impressive Prince striding around in fabulous boots showing off her lovely legs.

Jude Runnalls played the audience well as a very sad Buttons who never gets his girl. Jane Dale sang wonderfully as well as supporting the Prince as a hard done by Major Domo. Sue Millett played an elegant and beautiful Fairy Godmother.

All credit must go to the young Emily Magennis-Prior as Cinders. She carried the part off like a pro.

I must say that the two stars of the show for me were 'The Clock' who had to carefully count her chimes and the magnificent Cinderella Coach. Well done the backstage crew for building such a wonderful creation. Whatever will happen to it once the production is over?

Well done to Marion Rogers for making fantastic costumes and all the crew who worked so hard to entertain us.

Finally well done to Val Coombs, the intrepid Director, for pulling the whole show together.
[Nita Simpson]

It was a wet Saturday night and it was time for the pantomime in Medstead Village Hall. When it started, we all clapped the Ugly Sisters' Mother - was that really Stan - a man? We liked the music - 'Here come the girls' - very modern, we wanted to dance. My favourite bit was when the Princess's servant tried the golden slipper on, I would have liked to be a Princess! The clock was amazing too - was it striking 12 or was it 13? I think it miscounted.
[Emily White]

I liked the fact it was a comedy and the audience were involved. It made me laugh when the Ugly Sisters were arguing - like me and my sister.
[Rosella White]

Chorus:
Ben Anderson, Sophie Brine, Bethany Magennis-Prior, Eleanor Noble, Vivien Thirkettle, Leah Thirkettle, Neely Wren, Josephine Wren & Elizabeth Wren.