Chelsea Buckthorp

— Chelsea Buckthorp reviews the Cinderella panto performed on December 8, without giving too much away.

Pantomime season is officially underway as Lincoln Theatre Royal’s production of Cinderella is getting everyone in the festive spirit.

The panto brings to life all that is great about this traditional family favourite. There is definitely something for everyone as comedy duo Cannon and Ball lead a wonderful cast in a thigh-slapping performance.

There are lots of magical moments that kids are going to love, full of flamboyant costumes and fantastic sets, with singing and dancing to modern pop music.

As well as a few surprises along the way, all the usual sequences are there, many of which had the audience screaming at the stage trying to help out their new friend Buttons.

Millie Jackson, aged 6, and her little sister, Ruby (3), came dressed for the occasion in their own Cinderella costumes and both said they really enjoyed it.

“My favourite bit was where we saw Cinderella in the carriage,” said Millie. She thought the two silly men dressed as women were very funny.

In fact, everyone seemed to be having a good time, and other highlights of the evening included the furniture magically dancing across the stage and a rather messy sequence involving an abundance of white powder.

There was also plenty of fun for the grown-ups, full of slapstick antics and bawdy jokes that will not disappoint. Cannon and Ball are fantastic in disguise as the ugly sisters and I defy anyone not to laugh.

Even my usually miserable, not so better half couldn’t supress a smile or the occasional chuckle, and judging from the ringing in my right ear the next morning, neither could the lady in the seat behind me.

Cinderella at Lincoln Theatre Royal runs until January 15, 2012.

Photo: Chris Vaughan

By Chelsea Buckthorp chelsea

On the opening night of this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market, everyone at The Lincolnite got into the festive spirit and went along for some mulled wine and German sausage.

While we were there, we decided to ask what you thought. Wondering whether or not to brave the weather and visit Lincoln’s most famous festival this year? To help you make up your mind, here’s what some of last night’s visitors had to say.

Dr Adam Hussein

“This is my first time at the market. My first impressions are really good. Everyone seems to be getting into the spirit of things and there are lots of people dressing up in very clever outfits. We haven’t been to the Castle yet but the Cathedral is great and we have been to see the Magna Carta, not the original, but the official one, which is good enough. We’re going to see the rest of the market now.”

Amy and Josh

“I have been many times because I am from Boston originally, but this is the first time I have been here since I have been living in Lincoln. It’s really good fun. It has always been a tradition in my family. We always come here and have some roasted chestnuts.” – Amy

“I have just moved down from Scotland so this is my first time. It is bigger than I expected and there are loads of people. I’m not usually big on Christmas but this has got me a bit more in the mood for it this year.” – Josh

Sue Sutton

“This is my second time visiting the market, we got here early so we’ve been round it all already and we’re just about to go round it again in a minute. It’s great. We’ve had some fudge, stopped off at the pub and we are going to have some mulled wine in a minute. The atmosphere is great and the music really gets you in the spirit of things.”

Ollie, Steven, Jordan and Jonny

“It’s pretty good so far, it smells good. We’re here for the food and beer really but we’re probably going to walk around and see what there is in a minute, get some roasted chestnuts, maybe. It all looks really good so far though.”  – Jordan

Danny Rydell

“I’m working here tonight, flyering for the LPAC. I have been here since about five, it was quite quiet at first but it is really busy now. Everyone’s in a good mood, I think the music is helping. When I finish I am planning on heading back to a store that sells these ponchos and socks and I’m quite hungry so I will probably be getting a burger as well.”

Chelsea studied English Literature at Kingston University London and has also completed a work experience placement at Morton’s Media. She loves reading, dancing and visiting National Trust sites.