Earlier this month, the News Shopper asked its younger readers if they wanted to be a theatre reviewer for a night and many did. This week the winners of our competition tell us what they thought about the seven biggest pantos in the area this year and there's no holds barred!

Rebecca Scudder writes about Cinderella at the Stag Theatre

When I arrived at the theatre I was greeted by their friendly manager and "friendly" is the word I would use to describe the Stag Theatre. It is a small and cosy theatre with a great atmosphere.

At the start of the show, The Hammond Dancers performed a great routine which they carried on throughout the show. They incorporated some modern songs with traditional songs and danced very well to both and, along with some stunning costumes, they were great.

Enter Baron Hardup, alias Russell Floyd from EastEnders, who was also great. Unfortunately for him he had two step-daughters who were the ugliest sisters I have ever seen. Believe me, I have two sisters and they look nothing like these two. Weird hairstyles and the most colourful dresses and bloomers made them look very funny. They were called Marshie and Mimsie but had brains like marshmallows! Baron Hardup also had another daughter, Cinderella, who was very kind and gentle and had to put up with her sisters' bad ways.

When the fairy made Cinderella's dream come true, for her to go to the ball, she had to collect certain items which were a lizard, a pumpkin, two mice and one rat among others and they were turned into her carriage. On stage came two real ponies and a hand-made glittering carriage. Luckily for Cinderella she has a very kind friend called Buttons played by Reggie Mental mad by name and mad by nature! He was my favourite person in the show. At the Prince's ball Buttons was the entertainer for the night and there was a fire-eater which was very good.

When Cinderella finally agreed to marry Prince Charming poor Buttons was distraught and Baron Hardup had to drag him off the stage by his feet. It was very funny for the audience.

In the final act Cinderella got married and the costumes and music were fantastic. Everyone came on for a great finale and all the children were clapping and singing.

At the end of the show, I asked other children what they thought and they all agreed, like me, it was a very good show.

My family and I got ready to leave when I had another visit from the manager who said I could go back stage to meet, some of the cast. Wow what a great chance! We went backstage and I was able to interview Baron Hardup, who said he enjoyed all the acts with all the cast but he had had an embarrassing moment on stage when one of the ponies had an "accident" on the stage. The horses are kept in a horse box outside while the show is going on.

Meanwhile, would Russell be appearing on EastEnders again? He was not sure himself so we will have to wait and see but if not, he is very good in panto!

Thank you News Shopper for a great night.

Cinderella, until January 6, 01732 450175.

December 20, 2001 12:40