Review: The deaf community at the pantomime
Hearing loss affects about 1 in 3 of all people in the UK with around 150,000 using British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language.
To see a room full with children (and adults) with various degrees of hearing impairment enjoying the show to the maximum, with the help of BSL interpreter Kris Burrow, is both heart-warming and uplifting as well as appreciative of the skills of the interpreter, as evidenced at the end by deaf BSL users Riley and Natalie who commented “a really good show, appreciating the support to the deaf community and the excellent signing”
Full credit then goes to Charlotte and Curtain Call productions as they returned for their fifth year with the ultimate family pantomime, Cinderella, a world of magic, pumpkins, a wicked baroness and dazzling costumes
The large audience was full of family groups, plenty of youngsters essential for the future of pantomimes, capturing them to the magic early, all enjoying the new seating
Thumbs up to resident tech, Joseph, very good videos on the large screen providing excellent “backdrops” with special mention to the screen that frames the stage, adding greatly to the audience experience
An excellent cast, the Fairy Godmother (Daisy-May), her professional debut, a very good voice, with over a dozen dancers, of all ages, and a series of imaginative and expertly choreographed dances expertly put together by Stevie Wall, followed by Buttons (Denzhel, another debutant), Cinderella (Jennie, strong of character and voice), Dandini (Luke, all noble arrogance), Prince Charming (Charlotte, powerful stage presence and vocals) and Baroness Hardup (Quivers), a tour de force with two puppet ugly sisters, the best ventriloquism if you don’t look at Quivers’ face
The usual tropes, thankfully, peppered the show, “hello, I said hello”, sweets for the audience, hands up like a Mexican wave, “Oh yes he is”, cackling laughter followed by boos, “no I wouldn’t”, “it’s behind you” and “didn’t, didn’t, didn’t”, just what the audience wanted, tradition and (loud) participation
A traditional story, prince wants love, evil stepmother and ugly sisters, Prince Charming and Dandini swapping roles, love at first sight in the forest, glass slipper and happy ever after…if only real life could be that simple but works splendidly in pantomime
A really good selection of songs including “Shut Up and Dance With Me”, “Somebody to Love”, “Toxic” (great choice for the Baroness) and “Copacabana”
Highlight was the ‘Scream’ ghost monster scene with video, lighting and dancers, just the right side of menacing but very imaginative
This is just the sort of show that the Guildhall must really love to put on, showcasing the Lens Studio, a little gem for Christmas
What did I think? Really enjoyed it and left you wanting more (Snow White in 2026). Recommended
KEN EBBENS
The Flash radio presenter for the Portsmouth Guildhall