Storyhouse deliver their best ever Christmas show with this modern twist on the fairy-tale packed with classic songs and strong performances.

Since opening in 2017 Storyhouse have tended towards literary adaptations such as Oliver Twist or The Secret Seven, and whilst brilliant in their own way, some have yearned for the simple fun of a pantomime. This year audiences in Chester can once again boo the evil stepmother and shout “behind you”, but Storyhouse’s genius is to update the panto tropes and subtly play with audience expectations.

For those that enjoy panto there is much to enjoy, but here the characters have added depth with the New York Fairy Godmother (Melinda Orengo) given a romantic storyline and existential backstory of her own, and Cinderella ( Mali O’ Donnell) haunted by the loss of her father. Susannah Van Den Berg dominates the stage as the wicked Debbie with her powerful singing providing many highlights including a commanding performance of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” to end the first act.

The songs are the backbone of the show with many well contemporary classics performed by a multi talented cast, who often move fluidly from acting to playing instruments, on stage or in the raised band area. Cinderella muses on her lonely life with Taylor Swifts recent Anti Hero, and the Royal Tracksuit wearing King (John Holt Roberts) prepares for a fateful party with Elton John’s Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting. Listen out for more hits from Abba, Cher, Madonna and many others. The Fairy Godmother even delivers a melancholy cello rendition of Robyn’s Dancing on my Own.

The first half loosely follows the well known story but the second half is a completely new addition as the action shifts to a musical fantasy land before the customary happy ending. The updated plot raises a smile and adults will pick up on modern references to climate change, non binary people and unelected authority. These meaningful yet playful additions to the story make the show multi layered only adding to its appeal in the same way that traditional pantomimes of the past relied on layers of innuendo.

This is panto done with the unique Storyhouse flair, fun and laughter is never far away with each crowd pleasing song consistently making spirits bright. Audience participation, special effects, lighting and cascading bubble all add to the magic of this show. As the new Storyhouse CEO Annabel Turpin commented recently “Come and see Cinderella and you will see a brilliant exciting magical musical show, but I’m sure there will be elements about it that will make you think.”

The jukebox musical format takes me back to childhood memories of the Gateway Theatre and from the fantastic audience response, we can be sure that Storyhouse are creating joyous new memories for audiences young and old.

The show runs until the 6th January https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/cinderella/

Five stars *****