Review: Cinderella at The Misbourne School (From Bucks Free Press)

Review: Cinderella at The Misbourne School

9:33am Thursday 27th December 2012 in Freetime

FROM the moment the curtains opened, the cast of Cinderella (played by students of the Misbourne School) demonstrated their acting and singing ability. Under the direction of Sam Webb, who wrote his own interpretation of the famous Christmas classic, the production moved along at a brisk pace, with plenty of topical gags and catchy musical numbers, arranged by Musical Director, David Dwight.

Considering it was a school production with limited funds, the sets were realistic and professionally constructed. Cinderella was played by Sophie Wendes who delighted the audience with her charm and innocence, while Prince Charming played by Ben Locke, did a fantastic job in trying to woo Cinderella with his dapper demeanour.

The popular 'Twelve Days Of Christmas' song took on a whole new meaning as traditional words like: On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree, became "On the 1st day of Christmas my true love sent to me a bra that was made to fit three." Other twists in the song included massive knickers, smelly socks, frying pans, toilet rolls, bits of tinsel, and so on.

The trio enacting the Twelve Days Of Christmas song - Buttons (Stuart Wilson), What (Emma Greene) and Where (Jessica Kidson) had the audience in stitches with their hilarious antics.

The Misbourne Massive were also very funny and superbly played by Ashleen McCammond, Helen Busiakiewicz, Sean Taylor, Sian Evans and Naomi Nunn. Other cast members who amused the audience with their wit and sarcasm included the two Ugly Sisters played by Scott Claridge (as Flora) and Ollie O'Brien (as Anchor). Buttons 'Voice in his Head' (Nick Wilson) was a perfect support act to his twin brother, Stuart, who played Buttons and The Misbourne 'Funktion Band' did an excellent job in providing musical accompaniment, with alto saxophone, trumpet, electric guitar, drums and percussion.

One of my favourite highlights of the production was when cast and audience boogied and clapped their hands to such disco classics as YMCA and Night Fever which created a real party atmosphere.

All in all, I was most impressed with the entertainment and professionalism of each member of the cast, as well as the creative team who put the show together.

Commenting on the students' performance in Cinderella, Misbourne's Head of Drama, Sam Webb, said: "Our students never stop surprising me with their talent, creativity and humour. Acting instils confidence and gives students a passion as well as a drive to achieve. I am very proud of them."

By Brian Claridge