It’s panto season again – Oh Yes it is! – and last night we saw the fun-filled opening night of Cinderella at The Grand Opera House, Belfast. “You shall go to the ball!” And we certainly did with an outstanding cast, special effects, what more could you possibly want for your festive family night out at the theatre?
Cinderella stars the nation’s favourite, May McFettridge (aka John Linehan), who this year celebrates a record-breaking 32 Grand Opera House pantomime seasons and again proved that he truly is the ‘Grande Dame’ of the local pantomime stage. May was on fine form with quick-fire one-liners and audience put-downs now come as natural to him as wearing female clothing each December… they are both part and parcel of his annual residency at the prestigious theatre. Beware if you sit in the front row.
May is joined on stage by Paddy Jenkins – Baron Hardup. Paddy always has perfect timing and so calm on stage even during the chaos of 12 days of Christmas song which always is a audience pleaser . Returning to the Grand Opera House panto following their appearance in the last year’s sell-out run of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Adam C Booth plays Buttons opposite Kia-Paris Walcott in the title role.
Jo Donnelly, who played Mummy Bear last year, is joined by Jolene O’Hara as the vile Wicked Stepsisters. They and Lisburn’s Gyasi Sheppy plays Dandini, who in 2021 landed his dream job as one of the presenters of CBeebies. Completing the line-up, Conor Headley, originally from Lurgan and a former participant of the Grand Opera House’s summer youth production, takes on the role of Prince Charming.
Cinderella lives a miserable life; tormented by her wicked stepsisters, her only comfort is her loyal best friend, Buttons. That is until her Fairy Godmother comes along and swaps Cinderella’s rags for a stunning ballgown before transporting her in a flying coach to the Ball where her Prince awaits.
This unmissable production of Cinderella carries the Grand Opera House panto hallmark of laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, outrageous costumes and wow factor special effects.
You are to expect a few booms, flashes and splashes at a pantomime, but these special effects go beyond expectations with a three-dimensional flying carriage that was an absolute hit with the children, and even the adults! Great ready to watch their facesd as Cinderella heads off to the ball.
Cinderella is staged by Olivier award-winning producer Michael Harrison (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and directed and choreographed by Jonny Bowles, who won Best Choreography for Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the 2022 Pantomime Awards, with lighting design by Ben Cracknell, (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Osmonds, The Cher Show, and the 2022 Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall).
Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime will once again be sponsored by Dale Farm, who are delighted to share the joy of panto again this year. Since the Theatre opened in 1895, generations of families have made the Grand Opera House pantomime part of their Christmas festivities, and with over 75,000 expected to attend during the six-week run. This is a good old-fashioned, classic panto with brilliantly clever, modern extras. Without a doubt, this is a “must-see” pantomime for all the family!
Book your seats now otherwise not even your Fairy Godmother will be able to magic you a ticket!
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
