Cinderella - The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
By Liz Alexander
Having attended the annual pantomime at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre for the last few years, we were excited to hear that this year’s was one of our all time favourites, Cinderella!
Arriving at the theatre, it felt like Christmas was on it’s way from the pretty Christmas lights in Coventry city centre as we made our way to the theatre, to the buzz in the foyer when we arrived at the Belgrade Theatre that can only come with the imminent showing of a pantomime. The foyer was packed with excited families, all ready to get Christmas started with the annual tradition of a pantomime visit.
We collected our programme, made our way to our seats.
The stage backdrop on show as we entered was put together wonderfully and we were eager for the show to begin!
It was announced the panto would soon be starting and the audience went quiet.
The renowned character of Buttons entered the stage, and the story began!
The ugly sisters, ‘Aroma’ and ‘Flatula’ walked through the middle of stalls seating area when they were introduced, to cheers from the audience at this panto tradition!
The show ensured that local references were made (with boos and cheers from the audience accordingly) and references to popular culture could not be ignored, with Love Island featured, thanks to the participation of two dads in the audience, who had presumably been volunteered to participate prior to the show, much to their (but by the sounds of things, not their children’s) distain!
The story of Cinderella that we all know, and love was told wonderfully with a good few jokes and songs along the way and the children in audience (my eight year old included) seemed captivated throughout.
The pantomime overall was yet again one of the best we have seen at the Belgrade Theatre with excellent audience interaction, brilliant acting and beautifully designed brightly coloured sets, starting off pantomime season and of course Christmas itself brilliantly.
The Belgrade Theatre is friendly, seats were easy to find and were spaced out and comfortable, ensuring that this was a seamless and enjoyable family evening out that everyone seemed to enjoy, regardless of how old (or young!) they were.
The show is on from now until 13 January and tickets, and further information, can be found here.