Spreading his annual dose of double entendre and Christmas cheer in Cinderella, Billy Pearce returns to Bradford where LEO OWEN caught the show

APPEARING inside a magical bauble, Coleen Nolan is this year’s Fairy Godmother star attraction for Bradford’s panto season; her son, Shane, also plays Prince Charming’s serving man, Dandini. Writer, Alan McHugh gives a nod to Shakespearean tradition, including an all-rhyming prologue with in-jokes, playing on Coleen’s stint in Loose Women.

Opening song “At the Alhambra” plays with well-known lyrics as Pearce materialises from inside suitcases for his 19th Bradford pantomime, cheekily announcing: “This year I am playing Buttons”. Combined with Coleen, he predictably makes up the panto’s finely-tuned double act, responding to a series of quick fire questions like “What happens when Theresa May sits on a chair?” to test his intelligence (“She Brex-it”). They’re funniest using film titles and giant DVD cases for a very smooth routine that is so well-rehearsed, it seems almost spontaneous. Another particularly entertaining sequence uses song snippets for all of Buttons’ question responses to Coleen.

Bertie, the talking bear from Barnsley, is less funny, alongside a rather drawn-out “If I wasn’t at Hard-up Hall” routine with a less than enthusiastic performance from Shane Nolan. The vibrantly-dressed ugly sisters, Hernia (Graham Hoadly) and Verruca (Jack Land-Noble), naturally complete the show’s comedic element. There’s also a comical very slapstick wall routine with Cinderella (Sarah Goggin), Charming (Sam Barrett) and Pearce.

Director Ed Curtis’ Cinderella is a big budget show with spectacular sets and costumes, including a horse-driven coach flying over the audience to the palace ball, an enchanted 3D wood and impressive head pieces/glittering costumes for the royal wedding/coronation.

Gary Hind’s musical direction perfectly complements this, using strong vocalists and every opportunity to go all-out with affectionate renditions of well-known numbers like “I Will Survive”. Annie’s kids choir make an appearance singing “It’s a Hard-Knock Life” and Coleen’s own beloved hit “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” finds its place, delighting an already spirited audience.

Acknowledged by Pearce throughout, Cinderella’s jokes work on two levels, making it perfect for excitable kids and more jaded adults alike. There’s plenty of audience participation, classic panto lines and humorous topical references, ensuring this year’s show truly lives up to its tagline: “The Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes.”

Cinderella shows at The Alhambra December 16-28 January: https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella