Page 90 The Morrisonian | 07/08 Music Cinderella S6 ARTS WEEK Pantomime? In mid-summer? Certainly – a wonderful pantomime: witty script, dreadful one-liners, fantastic costumes, slick staging, audience participation, brilliant musical support, pretty girls, handsome boys, all packaged in a glittering performance by a troupe of actors who had it all to play for and played it to the hilt. Things got off to a promising start with the welcoming Buck’s Fizz enhanced by a musical performance from the school jazz group ‘Band Substance’; providing not just background entertainment but a considerable talent showcase. Then down went the auditorium lights , controlled by David Hiscocks, and the show began, a lively overture setting the mood. On came the Mice ( Andrew Crowe, Jamie Fairclough, Keith Ratcliff, Duncan Redden and Graeme Sudworth), an agile and anarchic Greek chorus, giving a running commentary on the plot throughout the evening and, in their snappy straw boaters, providing a very creditable barber-shop quintet. There were great performances. Helen Andrews as Cinderella gave a feisty interpretation to the care-worn kitchen maid of the story, and she sang beautifully as well - particularly in the final duet with Prince Michael de Corps (Hilary Andrew), which held all the sweet sugar and spice of a fairytale ending. Both Hilary and Kim Donaldson (Gary of Gordon & Durward) took on the role of Principal Boys with zest and aplomb, and while no thighs may actually have been slapped, the swagger was well conveyed, despite Prince Michael’s wimpish green tendencies. Cameron Matthews was an excellent Buttons, cheeky and poignant and connecting brilliantly with the audience, while Catie Gray gave the spitting cat Fifi elegance, hauteur and a horrid viciousness quite in keeping with the part. Angus McLellan ( Baron Henry Hardup) made excellent comic use of his zimmer and his general doddery state, and then he touched us all with his fine singing of ‘More I cannot give you ‘, a reprise of his part in Guys & Dolls. Catriona Laird (Stepmother) was roundly boo-ed and hissed at every appearance and played the part with disdainful relish. Stephen Hamilton (King Simon the Simple) can best be described, in voice and facial appearance, as Ian Paisley on a Bad Hair Day. Clearly exasperated by his son, he seemed out of touch with events, apart from the looming constitutional crisis which would be triggered by Prince Michael’s continued bachelor status! Emma Gilmour (Queen Louise the Lovely) made a regal figure in a fully supporting role. Alexandra Taylor (Fairy Godmother) looked gorgeous and sounded brisk and managerial – a touch of the Head Girls – but she made the magic happen with a delightful wiggle and the tap of her wand, and the turnip aka water melon was transformed into a splendid coach with glittering wheels, cleverly propelled across the stage by the ubiquitous Mice. For the audience, the essential part of any pantomime is the Dame. We were blessed with two of them: Sandy Jackson ( The Hon. Griselda Hardup) and Michael Basford (The Hon. Gertrude). Will we ever forget their outrageous business with their diaphanous and feather laden peignoirs, carelessly flicked aside to reveal all too ample breasts and more and then drawn together with a tetchy modesty? Their sustained falsetto was truly masterly, particularly in the inevitable duet ‘Sisters’, and their comic timing, both verbal and physical, gave the whole evening an extra dimension. Quite simply they were brilliant! Supporting roles from Victoria Tripp and Emily Whitters (Ladies in Waiting, doubling as Milkmaids), Alex O’Carroll (Dandini) Michael Rae, Jonathan Cox, and John Ramsay (Government Ministers), Hamish Easton (Herald) and Rory Houston (Footman) and the rest of the Little Milkmaids – Lisa Coffey, Sarah Edwards, Victoria Henderson, Sarah Ritchie, Sarah Scott and Emily Tait – assisted the story with song and dance and they were in turn demure, stately, and sprightly as required. The Musicians, Matthew Beetschen, Alastair Hamilton and Ben Vardi sustained the whole performance with their sympathetic support, and in particular, Mr Beetschen’s impish musical humour and meticulous playing were crucial to the show’s success. As ever a host of people helped both front and back of house, and it was a team effort which made a truly wonderful end-of-school performance by a talented Sixth Year cast. What a memorable way for them to end their school careers, and what a rollicking good time we all enjoyed in their company. The show was memorable for another reason. This was Joan Taylor’s last production, after a fourteen year career at Morrison’s, during which she has produced, directed, cast and written so many brilliant shows. This spontaneous, funny and very professional performance was an apt way for her to say goodbye.
Cinderella The standing ovation she was given on the second night and the warm tribute paid by the Rector reflected the respect and affection which she has won from her colleagues as well as from several generations of pupils lucky enough to learn and perform under her direction. Jean Ann Scott Miller Music The Morrisonian | 07/08 Page 91
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