On Saturday 9th December we were invited along to the press gala evening of Cinderella at South Mill Arts in Bishops Stortford.

Now I will admit that prior to them becoming one of our paid advertisers I'd never heard of South Mill Arts, it didn't occur to me to travel to Bishops Stortford for Panto (I don't think i'd realised just how close it was) but I am so glad I did!

South Mill Arts is approximately 30 minutes away by car and there is free carparking outside the venue, if this is full there is more parking in town. The theatre is beautiful and has a museum (currently closed for santas grotto- see our separate review on this), a lovely cafe and really nice staff.

This is a theatre with a lot of heart, the staff were so friendly and welcoming and everything was reasonably priced. There are little touches to reference the panto throughout the theatre including mice (not real ones!) on the cake stand and a beautiful carriage by the entrance.

This years offering for Panto is Cinderella, a tale you've probably heard told many times, in fact Buttons makes reference to this in his opening monologue assuring us that this is absolutely the correct version (maybe!). But I promise you they've managed to put a twist on the tale which captivates audiences right from the start. 

Cinderella has everything, a stellar and experienced cast, breathtaking set design, astonishing vocals and laugh out loud (in some parts a big naughty) humour. 

Produced by Big Adventure Productions and written and directed by Ian McFarlane.

A special shout out to the beautiful Etta Williams who plays Ella, whose angelic voice is straight from Heaven, the very handsome Prince Christopher played by Alastair Hill, whose rendition of "gotta try them all" set to the Pokemon theme song was brilliant and the wicked stepsisters SORBET & SEMOLINA played by Aimee Moore and Lauren Chinery, who despite playing baddies were impossible not to like. They were hilarious, I could have watched their facial expressions all day and in their rendition of "whatever happened to my part" their vocals really shone, at one point I even mouthed "wow" to my husband. Kirsten Henderson and Chris Curlett were also brilliant as hansel and gretel. And special credit to Mason Harper as senior ensemble , whose many cameos throughout the show really made me smile and the talented ensemble cast (I believe we saw team charmed).

Matthew Kellett was a lovable hero as Buttons and the Fairy godmother (this part had my children really chuckling!)

I don't want to spoil the surprise by giving too much away but what I will say is I cannot rave about the show enough. We were transported into a magical world of make believe that we watched unfold in front of our eyes, this production is of such high quality it would not have been out of place on the west end stage. And I do not say that lightly! An adventure for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas.

Take a bow South Mill Arts, the calibre of performance deserves a standing ovation all round.

The show is approximately 2 hours long, with an interval so is perhaps best suited to children at least age 3 or those able to sit for the required amount of time. 

Christmas at South Mill Arts is sponsored by White Trees Group.  Their Premier Sponsor is Building Brighter Futures for vulnerable young people.  White Trees Group operate Children's Residential Care Homes and SEN School sites throughout Hertfordshire & Essex.  If you would like to find out more or hear about their recruitment opportunities, head to www.whitetrees-group.co.uk.  

Their second sponsor is Lit Fibre, bringing its ultrafast, full-fibre broadband with quality customer service to Bishops Stortford!

Cinderella will be performed at South Mill Arts from Saturday 9th December – Tuesday 2nd January at various times.  For tickets head to www.southmillarts.co.uk and prices start from £18.50.

We made a full afternoon/evening of our trip to Bishops Stortford, we saw Santa earlier in the day and then headed opposite to a lovely Indian restaurant for dinner before returning for Panto. On our drive home we drove through the town admiring the pretty lights and genuinely had a fantastic day. We will be back to visit South Mill Arts for future productions and we cannot wait.

Bravo! 

Thanks for having us

Kayleigh and the Boys

XxxX