Theatre reviews

From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Feb 2006.

Cinderella -- Keighley Amateurs

Isn't it disconcerting to sit next to a boy who just can't stop laughing because a pantomime is so funny?

And how about the girl who goes "wow", "ooh" and "aw" when she sees, in order, a donkey, a ballgown and a real pony?

Luckily there were enough distractions on the Victoria Hall stage to keep the rest of the audience occupied. All of us are were enthralled by a fantastic, fast-paced and frothy show where everything came together perfectly.

From the opening number, when upwards of 40 children and teenagers bounded onto the stage, this was panto at its best.

Those kids were a chorus any producer would kill for -- loud, clear, synchronised, and more full of beans than a vegan's hotpot.

A strong cast of principals was led by Peter Whitley, just as funny as you'd expect as Buttons. Splendid in the title role was Antonia Gentile, fulfilling the promise shown last year, even if her voice was a little posh for Cinders.

Rachel McMahon was as usual a commanding principal boy while Helen Gallagher, another face to watch, was confident as Dandini.

Mark Brown and Richard Lloyd powered through as the ugly sisters with just the right balance.

Like the cast, the production team of Keith Marsden, Patsy Peacock and Sylvia Shepherd excelled in this magical show.

l Tonight/tomorrow 7.15pm, tomorrow 2.15pm. Phone 606567.

David Knights

Yellowman -- West Yorkshire Playhouse

Alma and Eugene face a world full of prejudices, attacking their right to be individuals, haunting their freedom.

Backgrounds, skin colour, who they really are and how they can ever be together all come into question.

The twists and turns of this play, set in South Carolina, see the younger generation fighting for the right to be heard

The couple remain undaunted by their backgrounds, alive in their fresh relationship, looking forward to the future until their past lives creep in.

The stages of life and love wrapped into their story came to a defined and poignant climax.

l February 4/5. Call 0113 213 7700.

Pam Ross

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