Theatre review: Cinderalla

Published on Monday 14 December 2009 18:02

CINDERELLA **** HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE, ABERDEEN

THERE was a time when the big traditional shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow set the gold standard for Scottish pantomime. But now, I think, the crown is moving north-eastwards, towards the new Aberdeen Performing Arts, and their ever-more joyfully impressive pantomime at His Majesty's Theatre.

The man behind this transformation is Alan McHugh, who learned his craft creating panto in Kirkcaldy, and has now emerged as one of the finest panto dames of the decade, as well as a fine scriptwriter and tradition-bearer. For those interested in the local dimension of pantomime, for instance, his Aberdeen Cinderella – produced by UK giants Qdos but superbly customised for the North-east – contains a density of local reference and atmosphere, including hilarious Doric versions of pop standards, that puts most of Scotland's big Christmas shows to shame.

In an inspired transfer, Elaine C Smith leaves Glasgow behind to play Fairy Godmother to the hilarious Ugly Sisters of McHugh and Jordan Young; and she has never looked happier than playing the motherly miracle-worker to Sophie Boyne's feisty Cinders, on a newish Qdos set full of gorgeous traditional scenes.

The live use of 3-D effects has improved by dramatic leaps and bounds since last time round. And McHugh's script offers Smith the chance to appear as every leading chanteuse of our time, from Amy Winehouse to SuBo; although it's her Gladys McKnight that really brings the house down, leading the revellers at the Prince's ball in a roof-raising rendition of Midnight Train To – er, well, Huntly.