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BrumHour saw Cinderella at the invite of BOA Birmingham.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, Lorna Laidlaw talks directing Cinderella at The Old Rep. Listen below:
By Dave Massey
Cinderella at The Old Rep: Panto Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐A fun, friendly panto!
Directed by Lorna Laidlaw
Set in the land of Birmingham (a panto version, obviously), Prince Charming (Stefan Davis) decides to hold a ball to meet the available women in the land. He pretends to be his companion, Dandini (Jordan Laidley), and meets Cinderella (Jaiden Tsang) whilst practising his dance moves. Can he invite her to his ball?
This production is created by BOA Birmingham, an academy for digital, creative and performing arts, and most of the set and props have been designed and created by the academy. And for pantoland, this is great, as it leans into the panto vibe.
Jaiden Tsang is enchanting as our leading lady, full of wonder and excitement about the world. Jordan Laidley and Stefan Davis are a great double act as Dandini and the Prince, switching from posh voices to local accents and back. They aren’t the only double act as Sam Yetunde and Victoria Tew provide lots of humour as the selfie sisters, Chloe and Kim. The main cast is rounded out by fun performances from Julie Ann Baker as The Baroness and Therese Collins as Fairy Godmother.
The songs are great, and there is a lovely version of Good Morning, Baltimore (Good Morning, Birmingham), 9 to 5 plus Dance the Night from Barbie. Kids might not be used to being able to shout out at shows like this, but it is very expected, and adults might need to help out. There are also a few adult jokes to look out for that kids will not understand at all (thankfully).
A fun, friendly panto which keeps the storytelling at its heart. You will have a ball! Cinderella is at The Old Rep until 31st December 2025. Book tickets here: oldrep.co.uk/event-details/284731ADKQSSBGRKMMBVGVVLTJJHKMVTV/cinderella.
