Review: 'Cinderella delivered a night of wonderful entertainment' | Photos

There are great performances by the actors. Milla Jones, in the title role, is delightful and displays subtle gestures and facial expressions to convey her innocent appeal and to interact with her fellow actors. She appears very comfortable in the role and is obviously relishing the opportunity to perform. Her effortless and speedy costume change is impressive, as is her solo. Michael West is energetic and endearing. A long-time and versatile member of MPAS, he appears in his element in this style of theatre. His ability to engage the audience is amazing and outwardly effortless. His posturing almost has theatregoers sympathetically hoping for a change in script so that his character could ultimately 'get the girl'. As Prince Charming, James Stephenson, in his Mudgee stage debut, brings a very strong voice and an admirable performance, while Sam Paine and Louise MacPherson are strong, reliable and polished in their roles. The Ugly Sisters, Ben Westwood and Peter Avey, deliver many amusing moments, including a new way to apply matching makeup.

The rest of the cast and the encouragingly large chorus are very supportive and solid in their presentation. They contribute enthusiastically to the atmosphere in the theatre, as does the Cinderella Band under the direction of Antony Featherby.

The whole production team should be applauded for obvious hours of hard work in preparation for the show. Making great use of lighting effects and technology, the sturdy, adaptable and effective sets at times appear minimalist, but they allowed ample room for easy movement of cast and chorus. Cinderellas' carriage is a marvel. The costumes are colourful and detailed, assisting in the characterisation and the visual representation of the characters, which is sometimes necessary when playing to a young audience.

The show has everything a pantomime audience could want: jokes, topical and local references, good singing, guest appearances, audience participation, opportunities galore for booing and hissing the villain, and cheering for the heroes. It is so enjoyable to be in the audience and to become absorbed in the stage antics and to be part of a large group of people of all ages interacting, cheerfully and vocally, with the performers. It is pleasurably entertaining to witness very young people, possibly attending their first ever live theatre, become so comically engrossed with the characters on the stage.

A great show. Congratulations to director Lydia Smith, all the actors, musicians and the entire production team.