“Whether you’re revisiting a panto classic or experiencing it for the first time, Cinderella is sure to deliver an unforgettable night of laughter and magic.”
This year, Edinburgh audiences are in for a treat with a brand-new, magical pantomime, Cinderella, featuring an all-star cast of panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott, and Jordan Young. Packed with everything we love about the festive tradition—laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes.
The evening of the show felt to me and to those around me as a magical one, when we turned from spectators into an essential part of the performance. Every time Buttons appeared, we eagerly shouted special slogans in response, reminiscent of the iconic exchanges between the children and the Captain in SpongeBob SquarePants. It stirred up childhood memories in all of us, and even though years had passed since we last watched the cartoon, we still found ourselves laughing and enjoying the moment like kids.
The Fairy Godmother also selected a few adorable children from the audience to join her on stage as part of the orchestra. This segment was thoughtfully crafted, almost like something out of a reality show. The audience cheered the kids on, encouraging them to step up and shine, and I’m sure those who took the stage had an experience they’ll never forget.
As odd as it might sound, my favourite performance came from Grant Stott as the evil stepmother. Every time Cinderella and the prince made progress in their relationship, the stepmother would appear, accompanied by a dramatic, pulsating background tune, heightening the tension and adding intrigue to the plot. In stark contrast, the Fairy Godmother played the role of both a sweet, kind helper and a rock star, donning sunglasses and strumming a guitar. Without a doubt, she was the funniest character, delivering a slew of Scottish jokes. What was even more impressive was how the actors improvised based on the audience’s reactions, showing off their incredible ability to think on their feet.
The props and set design were full of surprises, like the fireworks that erupted across the stage, filling the air with a festive scent and creating a Christmas-like atmosphere. When Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage first rose, I expected it to follow the usual upward path. But then, it broke free from the stage frame and spun above the audience’s heads, much like the chandelier in Phantom of the Opera. I remember thinking, “Now that’s magic!”